| Upon the riverbank, there sat a young man staring out into the horizon as the sun began to disappear and grow dark as night. He heard the birds sing their goodbyes to the day that has been settling out into its bed for the rest it needs to keep shining for the years to come. And for now, it grows dark as night as the young man sits alone waiting for the moon to arise and join the stars in the sky. He hums along to a song that has been singing in his heart for the last few days. It is these songs, he has come to realize, that teach him the Word of his Creator and the lessons he is searching for. It could the very pattern of human existence, a thought or idea that subtly enters the minds and hearts of people, causing a need for answers and enlightenment. That is why he is out here, and that is why we are all out here. As the last light from the sun is drown out by the night rising from the east the young rises to look down into the water. It is on the surface of the calm waters of the river, he is able to see his reflection. Within the first few moments, he can’t figure out the person staring back up at him. He is confused, but recognizes that person as himself. He didn’t know he looked so irresolute about the song he has been singing. The young man turns to the stars and moon in search of an answer or some kind of elucidation. There came neither words nor revelation, just the cool light spilling out over the night. For it has grown dark as night. When the young man’s hope dripped away from his heart, his song reached his mouth. He looked out around the world surrounding him and his voice made itself known, “If I could find the path to the heart of a woman, I would find a love I haven’t felt in so long.” He paused and looked into the river and continued, “If I could find the path to the heart of a woman under the light of God, then…it would be a righteous love, worthy of God’s blessings. But my own inequities keep me steadfast in this prison of complacent numbness.” He sighed, “So, Jesus, in my heart I have you, but I still feel so alone at times. Maybe it is called something else, but I can’t get it out of my presence. Jesus, could it be that this is how our postmodern society has conditioned me? But wasn’t Adam alone too? And in that perfect garden You majestically created, wasn’t there still something missing? And isn’t that why You created Eve?” He stood, facing the river and the breeze. He felt the warm air swirl around his skin and within it he heard a small whisper. “Oh, son, you don’t know who you’re talking to. Your thoughts are heavy and weigh down that beautiful soul your body holds captive. Adam had a garden, I made not just myself, but for all those that inhabit it. And within that garden Adam had every creature, big and small, to enjoy and commune with. He named them out of love and shared in their splendor; however, when it grew dark as night, Adam shivered. And as he slept, I reached into his body, snapped his rib and made him a lover, so they could share each other. Eve was created out of love and my garden was not perfect until her. Such is the origin of all womankind.” Looking around, the young man searches for the source of the whisper. He wishes to hear that soothing voice again and calls out, “And Eve was made in Your image as well, wasn’t she? Wasn’t she the pinnacle of a woman’s beauty? The first time Adam encountered Eve…what a beautiful scene! What a legendary beginning for the story of romantic love! The first time man and woman feel the warmth of another’s touch and embrace, how incredible.” He smiled and sighed, “I too, shiver at night. And there is a beautiful woman I’ve come to know. I’ve never seen a beauty like hers. It not only reflects that of a woman, but that of creation and of the soul. I see the earth, sun, moon, water, and the stars in her presence. Her movements are that of the angels and I know not what to do. I have named her Kalonice. She is a dear friend and I have recently stumbled, revealing these feelings to her. Now, a confusion has set into my heart. I received a thank you and a kiss on the cheek; however, there is an inability to reciprocate in her.” He sat down touched the cool water, distorting his reflection. The young man closed his eyes and gently shakes his head. “And that is all fine, as long as she is still in my life.” The breeze along with the whisper returned to him, “The image that Eve was created in is that of my own. Both Adam and Eve, are in my image, as well as all of humankind. The beauty of creation reflects the beauty of the creator. My creation was not complete until I made Eve; and Adam couldn’t find anything suitable for him until the day I presented her to him. Oh, son, you will meet them for yourself on the day you come home. And the one you call Kalonice, know that she is Kalonice and smile. Take joy in the fact there is a Kalonice, for victory is rare in your heart. Enjoy the laughter and embraces. Take in the moments she smiles at you, for I created her just as I created Eve. Don’t let defeat bring you down, I am your Light and I will guide you through the path you need to find. There will be traps and pit falls, but do not be discouraged when I am in your heart. For in my own way and time, I will bring you ultimate happiness and joy.” The breeze slowly cooled to stillness and the young man began to shiver from the dark of the night. He stood and looked across the river and saw the one he calls Kalonice speaking to the same breeze in search of her own answers. |
