The day was bright from the newly created sunlight. The wind whispered through the swaying trees. A bubbling brook laughed at birds that were singing and dancing against the blue heaven. There was great anticipation in the air. What was all of this for?

       Suddenly a voice that was as warm as the new sun came from every direction and said, "Let us make man in our own image."  And from the dust of the earth man was created. After breathing into his nostrils, The Creator awakened the living soul and said, "Rise up, Adam, and look at all I have for you."

       Adam open his eager eyes and was entranced by a deep blue sky. "Father," he said for the first time, "It is beautiful!"  And God replied, "Adam, my son, this vast expense I have put before you extends into eternity and it is no greater than my love for you."  As Adam stared intently at this endless space, a red bird swooped into his line of sight and sang a love song. He quickly sat up and before he could say anything, another flew down... then another and another, until there was an entire chorus of redbirds singing together greeting God's newest and greatest creation.

       Adam followed their flight until they perched themselves in a nearby tree.  He was overcome by a fragrant aroma that flowed in the gentle wind from a rainbow of colors blooming right before his eyes. "This is all for me?" He said it with surprise.

       "This and much more," said the Creator. "Now, go over to the tree and eat of its fruit."

       Adam carefully took his first steps toward the tree, picked a golden peach from a leafy branch and bit into it. The sweet juice filled his mouth and ran it down his chin. Adam smiled and God said, "This is good."

       After finishing the juicy fruit and washing himself in the bubbling brook, the son of creation sat again and ran his fingers through the carpet of velvet green.  "This is all so wonderful.  But Father," he said pensively, "tell me more about this love You speak of."

       "Oh, my son." the Maker slowly began.  “There is so much you have to learn.  To explain love I must do more than tell you.”

       This confused Adam.  "I don't understand," he said, wrinkling his brow.

       God answered, "You shall, my son.  Now rest your weary mind."

       Adam drew a long yawn and with an equally long sigh he leaned his head back against a small hill and fell into a deep sleep.  The mighty Creator worked quickly and quietly.  From the rib of the man woman was created and God spoke to her.  "Arise, my daughter and awaken the man."

      The woman reached over and gently stroked the flushed cheek of her companion.  "Adam."  She spoke softly and her voice was sweeter than the redbird's song.  Adam smiled and opened his eyes.  Again he was immediately entranced but this time by the blue in the new creature's eyes.  He was speechless.  As he sat up he reached out his hand and ran his fingers through her golden hair.  It was so much softer than the velvet grass.  Then, for some reason, even to this day he's not sure why, but he leaned over and kissed her.  "Oh!" he exclaimed.  "This is much better than the golden fruit I tasted!"

      Adam was overcome with joy.  "Dear Father," he proclaimed, "She is the most wonderful of all your creation.  I will take especially good care of her.  You have made me very happy.  This surely must be what love is."

      And God said, "Adam, it is only the beginning."  Then the Creator rested and said with a great sense of satisfaction, "This is good.  This is very good."