In today’s reading for Lent I read the creation story and Adam and Eve’s failure to obey God’s commands.

Although I have read this story countless times I was struck today by the difference the story gives us of how God created man and woman in comparison to the rest of His creation.

The stars, moon, sun, plants, fish, birds and all the other animals we are told came about when God spoke.

“Then God said…..”      –      “and that is what happened.”

But when we come to the creation of man we find that God formed man from the dust of the ground.  To me this indicates He did more than just speak man into existence.  He took time to mold, to make a man.  Like a potter creating a clay pot or an artist painting a masterpiece, God took time to make man.

I know I’m taking liberty here with the scripture but in my imagination I can visualize God carefully beginning to design man, perhaps taking a moment to step back and look at what he was creating and making some adjustments.

My husband is a painter and I watch as he paints a scene, then steps back and often  makes some changes until it is exactly what he has seen in his own mind.

After creating Adam, again God did not just speak woman into existence.  He took a rib from Adam and fashioned a woman.

We are God’s masterpiece, His own special design.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  Psalm 139:14

“Your hands made me and formed me.”  Psalm 119:73

We are not some accidental life form.  We were designed by God.  In His eyes, I am special – and so are you.