The orange glow marked the dawning of a new day. There hadn’t been many of them yet, certainly not for Adam. It was all new to him. Each day began with a glorious sunrise and sounds of life all around. Morning was a wonderful time to watch the birds busily fly about, perch in trees, and hop on the ground. He was amazed by their different sizes, colors, and voices. The differences helped him arrive at the names he gave them.

Adam was equally astonished by the animals that ventured through the Garden grazing on the lush grasses and browsing on the low hanging fruit. He gave names to all of them too as they came in view. Each day was a new adventure in the Garden where he lived. Food was plentiful, the scenery stunning, and the sounds melodious.

But as wonderful as his surroundings were, God saw that something was missing. Adam was alone. There was no other creature on earth like him, and God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. He knew Adam’s every need. So as nightfall overtook the glow of day, Adam fell into a deep sleep, and when he awoke he was no longer alone.

Eve was beautiful, more than he might have dreamed. And more than a companion, she was a partner. That blissful morning, Adam took his new bride for a walk to show her the place God had given them to live. He showed her the flowering plants, the serene and life-giving springs that flowed throughout. He pointed out the birds he had named and the animals he had watched. And he showed her the fruit they could enjoy and he passed along God’s warning "…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:17) It was the only commandment God had given them but it was more than they would keep.

God loved Adam and Eve. He knew their every need. He wanted their lives to be simple and perfect. In the beginning He created the heavens and the earth. He cast light on the formless, made the waters and dry land. He created all the plants of the earth; and made the sun to shine in the day and the moon and stars to illumine the night. He made all living creatures, and then when everything was just right, He made man.

God wanted our lives to be simple and perfect. We messed it up. He knows our every need, so He sent us his Son. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," Jesus said.(Matthew 11:28-30)  And that’s about as simple and perfect as it gets.

 

“You are the light of the world.”