Blog

What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 by Becky Cerling Powers

When God was getting the Garden Eden ready to share life in the same space with humans, why did He wait around so long to create Eve?

What God said was good

When God separated the seas from the land, He declared it good. And when He caused the land to produce plants and fruit bearing trees, He saw that it is good. When He placed the sun and moon in the sky to govern the day and the night, He found it good. And when he filled the skies with winged creatures and the seas with teeming life, again He declared it good. When he created livestock and wild animals and creeping creatures to fill the land, once more He found it good.

What God said was not good

And yet when God created the first earthling, the man Adam – honoring the man by creating him in His own image and placing him in a beautiful garden – for the first time, God declared that something in His new creation was not good.

“It is not good for the man to be alone,” He said. “I will make a helper suitable for him.”

After that jarring statement, anyone would expect God to get busy creating Eve. But He delayed. Instead, He gave Adam the job of naming all the animals.

Why wait to meet the need?

I believe that God is like the father of my – I realize now – incredibly fortunate childhood. Or more accurately, my father was like God in the sense that Dad saw what his children needed in the future, and then prepared us by working alongside us and building a relationship with us through shared chores and other activities, patiently helping us to develop the skills and character traits we would need for adult life.

God encouraged Adam to explore, observe, and reason

To name someone in the ancient culture of Bible times meant saying something true about their character or their nature. God could have given Adam lessons about the animals and directed him about what to notice and what to think. That is usually the way our culture teaches children about animals in school.

But God didn’t do that. Instead, He let Adam explore, observe, and figure things out for himself.  So Adam observed the animals closely to give them meaningful names –descriptive names like anteater, woodpecker, grasshopper. And as Adam explored, observed, and thought about what he observed, Adam began to realize something else. Something important. Something that God also let him figure out for himself.

Adam realized that all the other creatures had a mate

He saw that God created earth’s creatures as male and female, and that when the male and the female united, they produced offspring.

So Adam used the wonderful brain God gave him to think about that. First Adam put his observations into words, then he interpreted what he noticed, and finally, he reasoned that there must be a mate for him as well.  So then, as he continued his God-given project of naming the animals, he began searching for his own mate, the one created just right for him.

God prepared Adam for relationship and intimacy

When God gave Adam the job of naming the animals, He didn’t tell Adam that He was preparing Adam for his future mate – that becoming a good observer, a good communicator and a good thinker would help him to become a good mate.

Walking with God in the garden every evening, relating his thoughts and confiding his hopes to his creator also helped prepare Adam for relationship – for the comforts and the responsibilities of intimacy with his future wife.

The gift of loneliness

God allowed Adam to try to solve the mate problem for himself. Adam searched and searched, but he found no creature suitable to share his life intimately. So then, Adam experienced loneliness. His lonely feelings helped him come to recognize his own need – another kind of preparation for the challenges of an intimate relationship.

Finally, God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, and while Adam slept, God took part of Adam’s side and closed the wound with flesh. Then the LORD God fashioned a woman from Adam’s side and brought her to Adam.

Waking to intimate love

After that, all of Adam’s hours and days of language development training – from naming the animals – paid off. Adam reacted with poetry, the language of romance:

            “Now this! THIS is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!

            She shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.”

We have needs and longings, too

When God answers our prayers, sometimes He says “Yes,” sometimes He says “No” and sometimes He says “Wait.” When God says “Wait,” it may be because we are not yet ready for the responsibilities that go with the gift we long for.

Today’s prayer

Lord, help me to cooperate with You when You determine that I need to wait before You give me the desire of my heart. May I get with the program and learn the observation, communication, and other skills I need to take proper care of the gifts You want to give me. Amen.

© Becky Cerling Powers 1995, updated 2021

Reprint with attribution only www.beckypowers.com

You can find more family stories from Becky Cerling Powers in Laura’s Children: the hidden story of a Chinese orphanage and My Roots Go Back to Loving and other stories from “Year of the Family” in the Bookstore

 

 

Share This Blog:


Comments

John Neibergall From New Brighton, MN At 8/30/2022 8:33:27 AM

Remarkable insights, wonderfully discerning, beautifully written. Thanks for sharing, Becky—JN

Reply by: Becky Cerling Powers

Thank you, John! So good to hear from you. Sometime I want to get your near drowning childhood story, and your take on it, to use as a family story.

Previous Posts

An Ode to Mother Goose: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/27/2024

Saving and Spending for Kids : insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2024

Money Lessons by Age: Teaching Kids Good Financial Habits
Becky Cerling Powers
1/19/2024

Countdown to Christmas: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/7/2023

How to Make Bone Broth Soup: a Thanksgiving Tip from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2023

A Toad and a Teachable Moment: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/26/2023

When Life Goes Up in Smoke: insights from the Bible Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
9/21/2023

How to Win Kids' Hearts by Telling Stories: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/3/2023

Lighten Up: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2023

Getting Ready for Teens When They're Toddlers: Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2023

Wet and Wild Water Fun: ideas from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/15/2023

Teaching Kids to Cook: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/24/2023

Dog in Pain: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2023

King Ben the Dog and Queen Vicky the Cat: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2023

Naming Grace: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/21/2023

Cancan: Mother's (& Father's) Day reflections from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings and Becky Cerling Powers
5/14/2023

Teaching a 10-Year-Old to Drive (and Related Lessons): from the Bible Powerline
Sue Cameron
4/24/2023

Losing Poetry: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2023

Figuring Out Fasting: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/26/2023

Anxiety List Prayer: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
1/8/2023

Dad's Problem Solution Method
Becky Cerling Powers with Bob Cerling
1/1/2023

Christmas Gift Exchange
Sue Cameron
12/13/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2022

Best Toys This Season are Simple: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/25/2022

Gimme a Little Kiss: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
11/5/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/1/2022

Surviving the Japanese Occupation: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2022

Are Parents Sculptors or Gardeners? Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/15/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/2/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022

What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022

Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022

Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling
8/12/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022

Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022

Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022

The Interrogation of Divine Promise: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/10/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022

When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022

Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022

Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022

Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022

Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022

Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022

Rosebud's Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022

New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022

Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022

Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022

A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022

Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022

Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022

Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022

Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021

Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021

Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021

Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021

Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021

Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021

Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021

The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021

Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021

The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021

Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021

Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021

In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021

Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021

Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021

Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021

The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021

Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021

Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021

Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021

Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021

Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021

Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021

Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021

The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021

Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021

Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021

The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021

Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021

Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021

Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021

Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021

No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021

Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021

Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021

Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021

Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021

God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021

Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021

Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021

Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020

Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020

Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020

Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020

Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020

Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020

Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020

Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020

The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020

Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020

Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020

In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020

Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020

Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020

Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020

TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020

Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020

The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020

Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020

No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020

Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020

Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020

Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020

Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020

Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020

Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020

Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020

Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020

David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020

The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020

The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020

Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020

Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020

Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020

Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020

Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020

No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020

DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020

A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020

My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020

My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020

My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020

Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020

Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020

Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020

Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020

How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020

Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020

All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020

One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020

Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019

The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019

Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019

Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019

Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019

Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019

The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019

Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019

Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019

The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019

Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019

My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019

Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019

How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019