Wondering about Genesis 2:18-25

Ever wonder what God's favorite joke is.  I'm of course operating off the assumption that God has a sense of humor and that he finds pleasure in it.  If he doesn't have a sense of humor than a lot of points in my life take a much crueler meaning and I need to offer some big apologies.

In reading the creation narratives, I keep seeing that while Yahweh put every animal together he was having a good time of it.  He shows off his imagination by creating everything and then lets Adam (man) take part in creation by caring for and naming them.   This couldn't have been the easiest part of Adam's day.  And maybe it points to something else, Adam had some work God wanted him to do.  He had to be involved, hands on, even somewhat exhausted with caring for all that God had created.

But again, look around at some of the things he created, can you see some humor intended?  For instance, the ostrich, a creature exists with an eye that is bigger than its brain.  If that isn't enough for you, try the duck-billed platypus.  Body of a beaver, mouth of a duck, and a face only a mother could love.  Just because Adam was swamped (BTW: God made swamps), doesn't mean he couldn't enjoy the divine work and chuckle in the middle of it.

The Bible says God put all of these together and then sat back and looked at the fact that man was still flying solo.  This apparently wasn't satisfactory because God moves and creates woman.  This is where, in my humble opinion, some of the best moments originate for people: the joy of companionship, the excitement we find in each other, the blessing of the one who completes us, and these are just the easy ones to remember.

This passage reaches it's peak with the exuberant response of Adam at "God's gift to man" (insert appropriate laughter here) Eve.  Read it again!  Adam is beside himself!  He's as giddy as a 7 year old on Christmas.  He finally has someone to love, honor, cherish, and (depending on who did the vows) obey.  It's as though God knows exactly what Adam needs even before Adam knows how to ask for it.

How long has it been since you've looked around and given credit to our Creator for what he's given you?  Maybe your in the middle of a long, lonely, and overwhelming time.  How would your world be different if you started looking at the parts as though God had put them there to include you in his work?  What if you're challenges became chances to see God invade our world?  What if you knew that your trials would give birth to reasons to celebrate? 

The moment we come to terms with a shifted mindset we will start seeing a God who laughs more.  A Father who delights in his children and in blessing us with precise gifts for our needs.  A Creator who sees his creations enjoying themselves.  A God who has a great sense of humor.