Eve

“It is not good for man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”   Genesis 2:18

Something wasn’t right.  No matter where he looked, everyone had someone—the doe pranced beside the buck, the cow munched her lunch with the bull, and the tigress slinked slyly by the tiger.  Doves cooed together.  Swans swam together.  Squirrels scampered together.  But Adam was alone.

Something was missing, but he didn’t know what.  Perhaps a rest would set things right.

While Adam dozed, God designed.  He knew the “what” Adam needed was really a “who.”  “It is not good for man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”  A rib would be the perfect place to start since this helper would be by man’s side, close to his heart, and held in his arms.  So God extracted, and then He crafted.

She would be soft—and strong.  One who would nurture but who also had needs.  She would laugh with him and dance with him.  She would cheer in his victories and cry in his failures.  She would share and she would care.  She would help him.  She would hold him.  And together, they would be whole.

Adam awoke from his deep sleep but was sure he was still dreaming.  What exactly was this lovely creature coming his way?  God had brought each animal to Adam for him to name, but He had certainly saved the best till last! (At first Adam was speechless but finally managed to utter an astounded, “Wow, man!” – which, when shortened, became “woman.”:)

In truth, Adam had much to say, for the attraction was instant and the connection complete.  He exulted in God’s gift and said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she will be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man”(Genesis 2:23).  She had come from him.  She would be for him.  She would be with him. She was a perfect fit in every way.

He reached for her hand and gently clasped her fingers between his own.  A pair of eagles dipped their wings approvingly as they sailed overhead.  A duo of dolphins nudged each other knowingly, then dove into the deep.  And Adam and Eve walked around the garden—together.

Minus one bone. Plus one beauty. Small wonder guys think afternoon naps are divine!