In the Beginning: Wow

My breath catches. My eyes flutter open. Have I slept? It feels like only moments ago that I stretched out onto this mound of grass. Uncertainty had pressed upon my chest like the hand of God settling me against the ground. Now, I blink at the vibrant green canopy above, the leaves etched in contrast to the brilliant blue of the sky. I sigh at the comforting sight, thankful for this garden paradise that is my home.

The air is sweet with blossoming flowers. A mass of white and yellow blooms lift their happy countenance toward heaven on vines which race up the tree. A fluffy little creature—a squirrel, I believe—trounces around the trunk as if making a game of avoiding the delicate petals.

I could lay here indefinitely. Peace, love, contentedness . . . they swirl inside as tangible as the grass beneath me. They’re a natural response to the communion I experience each day with my Father and His creation; even the breeze and sunshine seem to sing in response to the joy I feel. And yet, when my Father recently visited in the cool of the day, He revealed that He wasn’t quite finished with the world.

“But it’s perfect!” I had told Him. “I love it here. I’m happy and satisfied and lack nothing because I have You.”

He had only grinned, which sent a shiver of anticipation humming inside. I had never seen Him look at me quite like that. “Do you enjoy the many animals I’ve given you?” He had asked.

I happened to be stroking a sleek black panther curled at my feet when we had this conversation. The large, clever cat had quickly become my favorite companion as I worked the garden. A warm rumble was emanating from his throat as I scratched beneath his chin. I said, “Of course! They’re beautiful, powerful, graceful, even playful. There are so many, too. Everyday I discover a new creature to name. It’s exciting.”

He nodded. “Good, good. I thought you would enjoy the task. But look about you,” he waved a hand at the menagerie of animals that tend to gather round whenever Father visits. “There are many of each creature. Although they frolic and fellowship together, they also have others like themselves.”

“Yes. I did notice how plentiful the creatures are. Especially the rabbits, they seem to have multiplied since I arrived.” I had been watching a colorful group of fat, floppy-eared rabbits nibble their way through a patch of clover. “They’re everywhere.”

Father laughed, making me smile. Whenever He laughs—which is often—furry ears perk up, shining, reflective eyes look at Him through the foliage and from behind trees. Even the flowers seem to respond. Some shed their petals as if to provide a perfumed path for HIs feet, others glow in the sunlight. A little perkier, a little brighter.

“Indeed.” His eyes twinkled and He nodded toward the twitchy creatures. “Rabbits have a way of doing that.” He glanced back at me, suddenly serious. “But you, Adam. What about you? Wouldn’t you enjoy having someone like yourself?”

I wasn’t entirely sure what He meant. “I have you.” 

Even as I said it, I knew it wasn’t true. Although we share some physical similarities, I was as different from Him as the rabbit was from me. “I mean, I have you to fellowship with. To love. Even if we don’t live together in the same manner as the animals, I am completely satisfied.”

He winked and cocked His head. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“Missing?” I had never heard this word. “What do you mean ‘I don’t know what I’m missing’?”

“Ah, never mind.” He had waved a hand and chuckled softly. “It’s something people will say in the future.”

“People? Future?” More new words.

He tossed His head back with a deep, meaningful laugh. “Trust me. This will all make sense soon.” He placed His hands on my forearms and squeezed. “Adam, I think it’s time for a nap.”

That was yesterday. Or maybe this morning. Or maybe just a little while ago. I’m not certain. But I know I’ve not felt so refreshed since Father placed me in this garden, so I must have slept.

Hmm, what’s that sound? I sit up and cock my head, listening. I can identify the footfalls of the many animals that live here, but I’ve never heard this particular sound pattern before. It’s joined by another, which I do recognize: Father.

I leap to my feet, excited to see Him. I feel as alive and new as the first time I opened my eyes here. I cross the little clearing and stop with a sudden gasp.

The most amazing creature is stepping out from between the trees. It is a creature like me. Though, not entirely. This woman—the word springs to mind unbidden—this woman is full and soft and curved even as I am all hard angles and flatness.

I see her assessing my angles as she approaches. 

Without taking my eyes from hers, I am aware of Father stepping into the clearing behind her. I sense how pleased He is with my reaction to this vision before me. Gratitude wells at His great care. This woman is exactly, precisely, completely what I need. My fingers drift to my ribs, remembering what He had planned to do once I slept.

“Hello,” I whisper, reaching my hands toward her—still unable to move. I’m thankful that she continues to close the gap between us. Something in my chest is pounding hard, as if there’s an animal inside trying to get out.

Her fingers reach for mine and her touch makes me hot and cold and thrilled and happy and—well—even more happy than I’ve ever been. Her lips part into a smile. They are so pink and plump and perfect. Like the strawberries that grow alongside the creek. I wonder if they will taste as sweet if I put my mouth upon them.

Somehow, I know they will . . . but I am determined to find out for certain anyway.

Our fingers twine together like the vines on the nearby tree. I swallow and smile back, wondering if she can feel my body vibrate in rhythm to this wild beating inside my chest. The other creatures in the garden definitely do not have this affect on me.

Father comes to stand beside us. He places a hand on each of our shoulders as we stare at each other. I feel approval and blessing coursing through His touch. 

I finally pull my gaze from her beautiful face and look to Him. “She is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. What a gift! Thank you.”

He lifts His eyebrows in that playful, mischievous way He has, seeming to delight in our exchange. “Indeed she is, Adam. My creation is always good, but you two are extremely special. You two are very good.”

I smile at Him. Love surges in response to the love that somehow emanates from His very breath. My gaze turns back to the woman before me and I feel Father’s hand slide from my shoulder and cover our held hands, top and bottom, with both of His.

“I’ll be back to check on you soon.” He squeezes our fingers. “Get to know each other in the meantime. I mean really and truly know each other. Talk. Laugh. Explore. Be fruitful and multiply.”

I’m not entirely certain what He means by this. But there’s something in the way He looks at us, as He releases our hands and takes a step back, that implies that we will soon figure it out.

He winks. “Trust me, it’s going to be epic. You two will make history.”

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of #TrueFictionFriday! Please leave a comment if there is a Bible character you would like to see featured in a future post. Shares and follows are always encouraged 😉