Book 8

"The Angel stopped, and Adam stood frozen, his mind still buzzing with the voice - it felt like he was still listening. Then, like waking from a dream, he finally spoke, overflowing with gratitude. " What thanks are enough?

"What reward could I ever give you, divine Historian, for sharing so much knowledge and being so generous to explain things I’d never have understood otherwise? He paused, shaking his head in wonder. " To hear it all now... it’s incredible, and I give all the glory to the Creator!"

A flicker of doubt remained, something only the Angel could clear up.

When I look at this world - Heaven and Earth together - and think about their sizes... it’s mind-blowing. This Earth is just a tiny speck, a grain of sand compared to the whole universe. He gestured towards the sky.

And all the stars, rolling through seemingly endless space - their distance is impossible to grasp, and yet they circle this Earth, this small spot, every day and night, giving light. He shook his head. " It all seems so... pointless, besides.

I keep wondering how Nature could create such huge differences, making so many grand bodies, so many times bigger, for just this one little use." He paused, thinking. "

"And they keep spinning, day after day, while this Earth, which could move with so much less effort, is being served by all these amazing bodies. He finished, a little breathless. " They bring her warmth and light with such incredible speed - a speed that even numbers can’t describe."

Adam’s father seemed lost in thought, his face serious. Eve, who had been watching from a distance, rose gracefully from her seat - a queen in her own right, radiating beauty and poise. She headed towards her garden, among the fruits and flowers, to check on how they were growing.

As she approached, the plants seemed to bloom brighter, responding to her touch.

But she wasn't as interested in the Angel’s grand explanations. Eve preferred Adam's voice, his stories. She wanted to hear him recount the Angel's words, to share in the wonder. She preferred his touch, his comfort.

She chose to listen to her husband rather than the Angel, finding more joy in his familiar voice.

"Oh, when will we see another couple like us?" she wondered, her voice soft.

As she walked, she was surrounded by an aura of effortless grace, drawing all eyes and sparking a silent longing in everyone who saw her.

Raphael, sensing Adam’s lingering questions, responded with kindness and clarity.

Don’t feel bad about asking or searching. Heaven is like a book, placed before you by God, where you can read about his amazing creations and learn about his seasons - his hours, days, months, and years. He paused.

Whether Heaven moves or Earth moves doesn't matter, as long as you count correctly.

"He added, "The rest, the great Architect wisely chose to conceal from humans and angels, and not reveal his secrets to those who should simply admire them." He smiled gently. "

Or, if they’re feeling bold enough to guess, he’s left the structure of the Heavens for them to debate, perhaps to chuckle at their quirky opinions later." He chuckled softly. "

"When they finally try to model Heaven and calculate the stars, how will they build, unbuild, and rearrange things to make everything look right? How will they grasp the mighty frame?"

With concentric and eccentric scribbles all over, cycles and epicycles, orb within orb: Already, based on your logic, I’m guessing this - you, who are leading your kids, and you think that bright, bigger bodies shouldn't serve the less bright, or that Heaven would take such trips.

Earth just sits there, soaking up all the good stuff. Think about this first: "great" or "bright" doesn’t mean "better. Earth, even compared to Heaven, is tiny and doesn’t sparkle, but it’s packed with real goodness. The sun just shines, barrenly, with no effect on itself.

Its power only works on Earth, where its rays find energy.

But those bright lights aren’t just for Earth; they’re for you, Earth’s resident. And for Heaven’s massive circuit, let it show off the Maker’s incredible power, who built it so huge and stretched his line so far.

That way, you can know you don’t live in your own space - an enormous building too big for you to fill, stuck in a small room, while the rest is for your Lord’s best-known purposes.

Give the speed of those circles to his all-powerful nature. He could add speed to physical things, almost spiritual speed. You don’t think I’m slow, do you? I left Heaven, where God lives, this morning, and I’m already in Eden - a distance you can’t even count.

But I’m saying this: even if the Heavens are moving, I’m showing you how wrong you are to doubt it. I’m not saying it's true, even though it seems that way to you, living here on Earth.

God, to hide his ways from human understanding, placed Heaven so far from Earth that earthly sight, if it dares to look too high, might be wrong and gain nothing.

What if the sun is the center of the world, and the other stars, drawn in by his power and their own, dance around him in different circles? Sometimes they’re high, sometimes low, sometimes hidden, always moving - forward, backward, or still. You see six of those.

What if the planet Earth, though it seems so steady, moves three different ways, almost without you noticing?

Then you’d have to assign those movements to separate spheres, moving against each other with twisted paths. Or you’d have to let the sun do less work and accept the fast, rotating wheel of day and night, which you can’t see above all the stars.

You wouldn’t need to believe that if Earth, busy on its own, brought day by traveling east, and its opposite side met night, while the other part stayed lit by the sun’s rays.

What if that light, sent from Earth through the wide, clear air, was a star to the terrestrial moon, lighting her up during the day, just as she lights up Earth at night? It’s a reciprocal thing, like if there were fields and people on her.

The spots you see are like clouds, and clouds can bring rain, and rain can grow fruit in her soft soil for someone to eat.

And maybe there are other suns, with their moons, that you’ll see, sharing male and female light - the two great sexes that animate the world, perhaps stored in each orb with some who live.

For so much empty space in nature, unpossessed by living souls, barren and desolate, just shining, and barely contributing - each orb sending a glimpse of light so far - is easy to argue against.

But whether things happened this way, or not; whether the sun shines down from the sky, or the earth spins toward it; whether he starts his fiery journey from the east, or she silently advances from the west, moving smoothly on her axis, carrying you gently along with the breeze - don’t worry your head with mysteries.

Leave those to God above. Serve him, and don’t be afraid of anything else. Wherever he places other creatures, let him decide. Be happy with what he’s given you: this paradise, and your beautiful Eve. Heaven is too far for you to understand what goes on there. Be humble and wise.

Focus only on what concerns you, and your own existence. Don’t dream of other worlds, what creatures live there, or what their lives are like. Be content with what’s been revealed - not just about Earth, but about the highest heavens.

To which Adam, now free of doubt, replied: "You’re so completely satisfied me, pure intelligence of Heaven, serene angel! You’ve untangled all the confusion and taught me how to live simply."

No complicated thoughts to ruin the sweetness of life, which God has told us to keep far away from anxious worries. Don’t bother us, unless we get lost in our own wandering thoughts and useless ideas.

But our minds and imaginations are so easily distracted, and there’s no end to that unless we’re warned, or learn from experience. We learn that it’s wiser to know what’s right in front of us, in our daily lives. Anything beyond that is just fluff, or emptiness, or foolishness.

And it leaves us unprepared for what really matters.

So, let’s come back down to earth, shall we? Let’s talk about things that are useful. Maybe that will lead to something I can ask, with your permission and your usual kindness. I’ve heard you telling me what happened before I was even born.

Now, let me tell you my story - maybe you haven’t heard it yet. And we still have time, I promise. I’m just trying to keep you here, inviting you to listen while I share. Honestly! It's because when I'm with you, I feel like I'm in heaven.

"Your words are sweeter to my ear than the most delicious dates, refreshing both my thirst and hunger after a hard day’s work. They satisfy, but quickly disappear. But your words, filled with divine grace, never lose their sweetness."

To which Raphael answered, gentle and heavenly: "Your lips aren't ungraceful either, Sire of men, nor your tongue ineloquent. God has poured out his gifts abundantly on you, both inside and out, creating a beautiful image. Whether you speak or are silent, grace and beauty attend you."

Every word, every movement, is lovely. And we in Heaven think of you on Earth just as much as we think of our fellow servants, and we’re eager to learn about God’s ways with mankind. For we see that God has honored you, setting Man on equal footing with himself. So, go on; tell your story.

I was absent that day, as it happened, on a strange and obscure journey far toward the gates of Hell. We were there in full force - that was our orders - to make sure no spies or enemies slipped out while God was creating.

"We didn’t want him to be angered by such a bold intrusion and mix destruction with creation."

They weren’t about to move without his okay. But he sent us on his super important missions - basically, like, King stuff - to show we'd obey, no cap. We found the gates fast, slammed them shut, and barricaded them hard.

But way before we even got close, we heard sounds inside - not just dancing or singing, but torture, screaming, and straight-up rage.

We made it back to the coasts of light before the Sabbath evening, as he requested. But let’s get into your story now; I’m all ears, and you seem just as hyped to hear mine.

So said the Godlike Power, and so spoke our Creator. It’s a hard thing to tell how human life even started, right? Because who even knew their own beginning? But you made me wanna keep talking, seriously.

It was like I just woke up from the deepest sleep ever. I found myself lying on soft, flowery grass, covered in sweat. The sun dried it up fast, soaking up the moisture. My eyes shot up to the sky - the whole sky - and I just stared.

Then, boom, I jumped up, drawn upwards, and stood on my own two feet. All around me were hills, valleys, shady woods, sunny plains, and streams murmuring as they flowed. Creatures were living, moving, flying - birds singing in the trees.

Everything was smiling, and my heart just overflowed with joy and fragrance.

I looked at myself, checked out my limbs, and ran around, feeling super energetic. But I had no idea who I was, where I was, or why I was even here. I tried to speak, and words just came out - I could name everything I saw.

"Sun," I said, "you’re so bright and beautiful! And you, Earth, so fresh and gay! You, hills, valleys, rivers, woods, and plains! And you, creatures, living and moving, tell me, tell me, did you see how I got here?"

"I didn’t just appear - someone, a great Maker, must have created me, full of goodness and power. Tell me, how can I know him? How can I worship him, the one who gave me life and makes me happier than I even realize."

While I was calling out and wandering around, I realized I’d drifted far from where I first breathed and first saw this amazing light. I sat down on a green bank, covered in flowers, feeling kinda bummed.

Then, gentle sleep took over, like a soft weight, and I thought I was fading back to wherever I came from, dissolving into nothingness.

"Suddenly, I had a dream - a vision so real, it made me believe I still existed, that I was still alive. Someone came to me, seeming divine, and said, "Your home is waiting for you, Adam. Rise, first Man, created to be the father of countless others!

"I am here to guide you to the garden of bliss, your seat prepared."

He took my hand and lifted me up, and we floated over fields and water, sliding through the air without even a step. He led me up a wooded mountain, whose peak was clear and wide, enclosed by the most beautiful trees, with walkways and bowers.

Everything I’d seen before suddenly seemed... lackluster.

Each tree was loaded with the most gorgeous fruit imaginable, tempting me to pluck and eat. Then, I woke up - and it was all real, just like the dream had shown me. My wandering had started anew, but then he, my guide, appeared from among the trees - a Presence Divine.

Joy surged through me, but I fell at his feet, awestruck and reverent. He had raised me.

"The one you seek," he said gently, "is me." He gestured to everything around me.

"I am the Creator of all you see - above, around, and below."

"This paradise is yours," he continued.

"Tend it, nurture it, and eat freely of the fruit. Every tree in the garden offers bounty; fear no lack. He paused. " But beware the tree of Knowledge - the tree whose fruit brings understanding of good and evil. I have placed it here as a test of your obedience and faith."

"Remember my warning: do not taste its fruit, or face dire consequences. The day you do, you will die - mortal, banished from this bliss to a world of sorrow and pain."

His words were stern, echoing in my ears, though I intended to heed them. But then, his expression softened, his purpose renewed.

Not only this garden, but all the Earth is yours - and yours to share with your descendants. Rule it, possess it, and claim dominion over all that lives - beast, fish, fowl, or creatures of the sea and sky.

"He gestured, and as a sign of this gift, every bird and beast approached, two by two, bowing low in deference."

I named them as they passed, suddenly understanding their nature, a gift from God. But still, something felt missing. And I dared to address the heavenly Vision.

"Oh, by what name should I call you? You surpass all things - above humankind, above all that is higher than humankind. How can I adore you, Creator of this universe, Author of all this goodness for humankind? For whose well-being have you provided so abundantly, with such generous hands?"

"But who shares in this bounty? In solitude, what happiness can be found? Who can truly enjoy it alone? Or, enjoying all things, what contentment can be found?"

I felt presumptuous, but the Vision’s brilliance intensified, as if touched by a smile. "What do you call solitude?"

it asked. " Is not the Earth filled with living creatures, and the air teeming with life? All are at your command, ready to come and play before you. Do you not understand their language and their ways? They also possess understanding, and they do not reason poorly."

"Find pleasure with them, and rule over them; your realm is vast."

So spoke the Universal Lord, and it seemed as though he was arranging things that way. With a respectful plea for permission to speak, and humble submission, I replied.

"Please do not take offense at my words, Heavenly Power. My Maker, be kind to me while I speak. Have you not made me your representative here, and placed these creatures far beneath me? What kind of society can exist among those who are unequal? What harmony, or true delight?"

It must be mutual, a fair exchange given and received. But when one is intense and the other is lacking, it cannot suit either - it will soon become tedious. I seek fellowship - a connection fit to share all rational joy. The brute cannot be a human companion.

"They rejoice with their own kind - lion with lioness. You have combined them perfectly in pairs. How can a bird converse with a beast, or a fish with a fowl? How can an ox share thoughts? "

Things got way worse when humans started acting like beasts, especially the lowest of the low. Then, the Almighty answered, totally chill.

"A subtle happiness, I see," the Voice boomed.

"You’re choosing your friends carefully, Adam! But are you gonna be happy all alone? What do you think of me, and this whole situation? Do I seem happy enough, or what? Because I’m solo, like, forever. There’s nobody else even close to me, not equal, let alone better."

"How am I supposed to talk to anyone," the Voice continued, "besides the creatures I made? And they're way below me, like, infinitely lower than you."

The Voice stopped, and I answered, keeping my head down.

"To even try and understand your eternal ways, human thoughts fall short. You’re perfect, Supreme One! There’s nothing missing in you. But humans aren’t like that. We’re not complete. That’s why we crave connection, to fill in the gaps."

"You don’t need to multiply," the Voice said.

"You’re already infinite. You’re everything, even if you’re just one. But humans are flawed, and we need to create others like us, to show that imperfection. That’s why we need love and friendship."

"You’re alone in your secret place," the Voice mused, "but you’re perfectly content with yourself. You don’t need social interaction, but you can still raise your creation to amazing heights, deifying them."

"I can’t build myself up just by talking," I said. " I can’t find happiness in their ways."

The Voice seemed pleased. "I was happy to test you, Adam, and I see you know more than just the names of beasts. You understand yourself, expressing the free spirit within you - my image, not given to animals. That’s why their company isn’t right for you. You should still feel that way."

"I knew it wasn’t good for Man to be alone," the Voice continued.

"The company you saw wasn’t meant for you; it was just a trial to see if you could judge what was right."

"Whatever I bring next will please you," the Voice promised.

"It will be your likeness, your perfect helpmate, your other self, exactly what your heart desires."

The Voice stopped, or at least, that's what I heard. My human senses were overwhelmed by the heavenly presence. It had been straining for so long, reaching for something beyond. I felt dizzy, dazzled, and spent, like staring directly into the sun.

I collapsed, and sleep instantly claimed me, called in by nature to heal.

My eyes were closed, but my mind was wide awake - my internal sight, as if in a trance. Even asleep, I saw where I lay, and saw the glorious shape before whom I had stood.

The shape bent down and opened my left side, taking a rib. Warm, vibrant life flowed from the wound, but it quickly healed, filled with flesh. The rib was shaped and molded by divine hands, forming a creature like me, but different - a female.

She was so stunningly beautiful that everything else seemed dull, or contained within her. Her look infused my heart with a sweetness I’d never felt, and brought the spirit of love and desire into everything around me. It was that good.

She vanished, and left me in the dark. I woke up, desperate to find her, or to mourn her loss forever. I was ready to give up on everything else. Then, there she was, not far away. Exactly as I’d seen her in my dream, decked out in everything Earth or Heaven could offer to make her beautiful.

She came forward, led by her Maker - unseen, but I could feel his presence - and guided by his voice. She understood the sacredness of marriage. Grace flowed from every step, Heaven shone in her eyes, and dignity and love were in every gesture.

I was overjoyed. I couldn’t help but shout out. " This is amazing! You kept your promise, Creator, so generous and kind, giver of all beautiful things! But this is the best gift of all!"

"I finally understood. " She’s a part of me, made from my very being.

"Woman is her name; she was drawn from Man. That’s why he will leave his parents and cling to his wife, and they will become one flesh, one heart, one soul."

She heard me. Even though she was brought here by something divine, she still had innocence and modesty. Her virtue, and her understanding of her own worth, meant she wanted to be wooed, not just snatched up.

She wasn't obvious or pushy, but the fact that she was a little distant made her even more desirable. It was natural, even though she wasn’t tainted by sin. Seeing me, she turned her head. I followed her. She knew what honor meant, and with a regal grace, she approved of my plea.

I led her to our wedding bower, blushing like the dawn. All of Heaven and the happy stars showered us with blessings. The Earth rejoiced, and every hill seemed to celebrate. The birds sang joyously, gentle breezes whispered through the woods, and fragrant roses and spices drifted from the shrubs.

The amorous bird of night sang a spousal song, and the evening star hurried to light our bridal lamp.

So, I’ve told you everything about my life, and brought my story to the peak of earthly bliss. I have to admit, I find delight in everything else, but it doesn't truly change me. It doesn’t spark a deep desire.

I'm talking about the simple things - taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, flowers, walks, the songs of birds. But this is different. I’m completely transported. I feel passion for the first time - a strange, wonderful feeling! I’m untouched and unmoved by everything else.

But here, I'm weak, vulnerable to the power of her beauty.

Did Nature fail me, leaving me unprepared for such an object? Or did she take too much from me? Or did she give her too much, too much beauty on the outside, not enough depth on the inside?

I understand that, fundamentally, she’s meant to be secondary - lesser - in her mind and inner abilities, the things that truly matter. She's less like Him who made us both, less like the ruler He gave us over all other creatures.

But when I approach her, she seems so complete, so well-aware of herself. Everything she wants to do or say seems wise, virtuous, and perfect.

All higher knowledge shrinks in her presence. Wisdom in conversation with her feels foolish. Authority and Reason wait on her, as if she was created first, not later. And to top it all off, her greatness of mind and nobility build a protective aura around her, like a guardian angel.

To you, Angel, with that serious look - don't blame Nature. She did her part. Now, you do yours. Don’t doubt your wisdom; it won’t ditch you when you need it most. Stop giving too much importance to things that aren't that big of a deal, like you already know.

What's got you so hyped? What's blowing your mind? It’s her looks, right? Gorgeous, totally worth cherishing and respecting, and loving. But don’t make yourself subject to her. Weigh yourselves equally. Then value her.

Seriously, nothing is more helpful than believing in yourself, and handling things right. The more you know about that, the more she’s gonna see you as her equal, and see through all the surface stuff. Everything is made to be amazing for you, so you can love your partner with respect.

She sees you even when you think you're being sneaky.

But if the feeling of touch - that’s how humans have babies - seems like the best thing ever, think about it: cows and every animal feels that too. It wouldn't be so common if it was something that could take over your soul or make you obsessed.

What you find most attractive about her - what makes her human, smart, and reasonable - love that. Loving is good. Obsession isn’t. That’s where true love lives. Love makes you think clearer, expands your heart, and lives in your reason.

It’s the way to love like the angels do, not just chasing physical pleasure. That’s why no one found you a match among the animals.

Then Adam, a little embarrassed, replied, "It’s not just her looks, or the way humans have babies - though it’s pretty amazing, and I treat it with a lot of respect - that makes me feel this way. It’s her gentle actions, her kind words, everything she does with love and kindness."

"It shows we have a real connection, like one soul in two bodies. Seeing that harmony between a married couple is more beautiful than the most perfect music."

"But I’m not trying to say I’m being controlled," he continued.

"I’m just telling you what I feel. I see all kinds of things with my senses, but I’m still free to choose what I like best."

"You don’t blame me for loving, do you?" Adam asked.

"You said love leads to Heaven, it’s the way and the guide. So, if it’s okay, I have a question: Do heavenly spirits love? And if so, how do they show it? Just with looks? Or do they actually feel a connection, a touch - real or immediate?"

The Angel, with a smile that glowed like the most perfect sunset - the color of love - answered, "It’s enough for you to know that we’re happy, and without love, there’s no happiness. Whatever pure enjoyment you feel in your body, we experience in an even greater way."

"There are no obstacles for us - no bones, joints, or limbs holding us back. It's as easy as air mixing with air when spirits embrace. We connect completely, pure with pure, without needing to physically touch. It's unlike how flesh mixes with flesh, or soul with soul."

"But I have to go now," the Angel said.

"The sun is setting beyond Earth's green coast and beautiful islands - the Hesperian Isles. That’s my signal to leave. Be strong, be happy, and love! But first, love Him - obey Him and keep His command."

"Be careful that passion doesn't cloud your judgment and lead you to do anything you wouldn't normally do. Your happiness - and the happiness of all your descendants - depends on you. Be warned!"

I’m so hyped for what you’re doing, seriously. And all of us who are blessed! Stay strong - your fate is in your own hands. You’re already perfect, no need for outside help. And shut down any urge to mess up.

He stood up, and Adam responded, blessing him.

"Okay, bye," he said, "Go, amazing angel, you ethereal messenger, sent from the ultimate goodness I worship! You’re so nice to me - totally chill. And I’ll always remember you with gratitude. Keep being good to everyone, and come back often!"

And with that, they parted ways. The Angel soared up to Heaven from the shadows. Adam headed back to his bower. Like, seriously, what a moment.