Two Reflections Into One

Marriage is a funny business.

Ryn's campus pastor in Bzmn was full of many words of wisdom, some of which regarded the tricky topic of the "two becoming one".  Paraphrasing, he said that marriage is like holding up a mirror to yourself.  It is a beautiful thing to behold, but it also shows you exactly where you are lacking, magnifies your faults, and showcases where you need to grow... infinitely.

The current King of Pop, JT, had some recent words of wisdom in one of his new songs that I love called "Mirrors."  If you haven't checked it out yet, it's definitely worth a YouTube search (the music video... well, get ready for a few tears ya'll :)).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJeV9H8SGdg

Marriage is hard.  But I feel like a lot of folks say marriage is difficult because of what it requires of them, not because of what it pushes you to see in yourself.

My husband is amazing.  He is strong when it counts the most, humble when hearts are breaking, and courageous... always.  He is able to read a moment, a room, and a soul.  He is the other half of my heart, my reflection.

When I met my soulmate I was 19, and a lot of giggles and hacky sack were involved, but I'll tell you what never came into the picture - fear.  My husband has always blessed me with the gift of safety.  He is not my savior, but other than the Lord, he is the refuge for my heart. (Ok, ok, lovey-dovey tangent over :))

The day that we got married our pastor, in front of tons of peps, told us that "The world needs your marriage."  It may seem a bit narcissistic, but I will never forget those words.  Not because they were about us, not because it was a superb sermon (though it was! And we were incredibly blessed!), not because it was our wedding day, and not because those words have been incredibly influential to the way that we've lived our 4+ years of marriage.  I remember them because they were true.  For us and for every married couple out there

So why is our/your marriage so important?  Because Satan hates marriage.  Do you know why?  100 points if you do! :)  He despises this union because it is the human version of Christ's relationship with us, His bride.  In a world full of sin and pain, marriage, the ultimate commitment (and therefore the most sacrificial love), is always under spiritual attack.  Why wouldn't it be?  God designed marriage to be a worldly example of His love for us.  What better way to confuse/distract/discourage us than to smear the reflection of His love intended to shine through in our daily lives?

Now, is all marital strife due to Satan's attacks?  No, of course not.  We live in a fallen world, and we are fallen people, full of flaws.  Naturally, when you bring together two independent adults who are capable of screwing things up royally, you are going to hit a few potholes.  Because of that marriage is fraught with doubt, fear and sometimes pain.  But, what I'm talkin' 'bout is beyond that.  True, heart-wrenching, marriage-ending despair.  That is not of God.

I know what you're thinking... but no, I'm not gonna be that younger married chick that acts like she's got it all figured out.  Both Ryn and I know that we have a long road ahead of us (hopefully another 70+ years!), and I'm sure many uphill battles.  But I know what I do have figured out, and that's that our marriage is not about us.  It's not about him, it's not about me, and it's not even about our love for one another.  It's about the world.  It's about what God has for our lives, how we can minister to those around us, and how we can be a living, breathing example of how much He loves each one of His children.

And I can't think of a better reason to make our marriage the very best that it can possibly be.

Yes, there will be pain.  Yes, it will be hard.  And yes, there will be moments where you can hear hearts breaking.  But when you say "I do", you're saying yes to all of the good, and the bad... sickness and health, and all that jazz.  And that's an adventure that I am excited by each and every day.

Let me say it again, "The world needs your marriage."

Let it sink in.  The world needs your marriage.  Not mine, not the next door neighbors, but YOUR marriage.  Please let that be encouragement (and not a guilt trip :))

You matter.  Your marriage matters.  It is the legacy that you leave this world with.

We are so grateful to those in our lives that have prepared the way for us, and have inspired our marriage to be more than just about us. Timbo and Brad - you have no idea the impact that you've had... "thank you" just does not do it justice.

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."  Matthew 19:6