In the beginning…11a. Earth Overlook: Day Six

It was true; everyone had gathered at the Earth Overlook. All eyes followed the trio as they approached the railing.

“Make way! Make way for the Majestic Duo!” Though unnecessary, Gabriel’s voice aided in clearing the path to the prime location at the railing.

“Gabe, calm down,” Jesus affectionately chastened the exuberant angel. “We’ve already done this five times before.”

“I know,” the angel apologized. “I can’t help it. This day is going to be so incredible. I can’t keep it inside me any longer.” He let out what would someday be characterized as a barbaric yawp, “Yeee Haaw!”

Everyone laughed. Well, perhaps not quite everyone. The Father was stoic if not also a little understanding of the enthusiastic angel who had helped his son plan this final day of creation.

Then, as always, there was that small group surrounding Lucifer and positioned well away from the center of attention. They did an extremely poor job of acting disinterested in the events about to occur; even their curiosity was getting the better of them.

God’s voice broke the momentary silence. “Son, do you want to do this yourself? After all, you’ve done most of the work of planning.”

“No, Father. I’d rather you take the lead again, if you don’t mind,” Jesus acquiesced.

“Not at all, my Son,” God agreed. He extended his hand toward his Son who glanced at Gabriel.

“Gabe, the book, if you please,” Jesus directed.

Gabriel started to hand him the small purple one, but stopped when he noticed the friendly frown and shake of Jesus’ head. “Sorry, I forgot,” Gabriel apologized offering the larger, less ornate book containing the specs for all the different land animals. Jesus accepted it and placed it in the palm of his father’s out-stretched, waiting hand. Then God turned toward the rail once again and tossed the book over the side letting it fall swiftly to Earth where it landed with a thud on a mound of grassy dirt. Dust sprayed up from the impact. Then pointing, God seemed to cause the dirt mound to swirl and begin mixing with the pages of the now-open book.

Then God announced in a clear, steady voice, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” And immediately it was so.

The dry land of Earth literally came alive with hundreds of creatures of diverse sizes, shapes, and colors all moving at various speeds and with assorted degrees of agility. Some were amazingly graceful while others obviously awkward.

“There are several thousand different species,” explained Gabriel. “I helped Jesus draw many of them. Lots we can’t even see as they are either too tiny or they actually live underground.”

Michael nudged his friend, “Later you’ll have to tell me all about the time you spent with the Son designing those creatures. It all must have been fascinating.”

“I will,” Gabriel agreed adding, “and it was.”

All the land animals were singing, grunting, squawking, and otherwise making an increasing racket. The noise seemed to summon the birds that had scattered after vastly multiplying. Now they came swooping and soaring to join the animals in their agitation as though all were celebrating the magnificence of the moment. Even the fish began jumping and twisting so that the nearby bodies of water rippled and foamed with the excitement of life.

With the exception of some mumbling from the party in the rear, there was little noise from the overlook as the entire gallery stood in complete awe.

“We’ll have all those dumb animals under our control in no time at all,” Lucifer was explaining to his followers. “God hasn’t a clue what he’s really done. He’s created a playground for us any time we want it. We’ll tame and control all those animals who then will work for us, play with us, keep us entertained, and bow in allegiance only to us. This is going to be great.” He concluded his statement by muttering sarcastically, “Thank you, Jesus.”

Finally, Allen’s voice broke the silence with the thought that was on most angelic minds, “It simply doesn’t get any better than this.”

Gabriel quickly disagreed with a knowing statement, “Actually, this is just the hem of the garment; it’s only the beginning of Day 6.”

Allen asked, “What do you mean, Gabe?”

Michael took up the query for the whole group gathered in that vicinity, “You mean there’s something more – something better?”

Gabriel retorted, “Just you wait, friends; the best is yet to come, I assure you.”

God had made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. Then God pronounced, “That’s good.”

[to be continued]