Monday, March 20, 2023

The Perfect Companion for Me


     "I would not wish any companion in the world but you..."
         The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1, William Shakespeare

          Classic literature always seems to say exactly how one feels. One cannot read several classics without coming across a sentence that speaks to the soul. 

          Miranda's statement to her love, Ferdinand, in the quote above describes well my feelings toward my husband, John Richardson. Our wedding was one of the happiest days of my life. There were small glitches throughout the day, as at every wedding, but it was perfect to me because of the man I had just married. I would never again have to say "goodbye" to John when our date was over; I would never again have to hold back my touch; and I would never again have to visit his home, and then my own. 

          We are our own home now. 

          The world is so quick to criticize marriage when it no longer feeds one's self-interest. Life is about you, not someone else, secularists will imply as they write about sleep divorce or the need for mental retreat in marriage. What is the underlying theme of these perspectives? 

           Marriage serves you. 

           Yet, Scripture tells us that marriage reflect Christ's relationship with His people. Marriage is not about us. It is about Him. Ephesians 5:22-23 describes how a husband and wife should treat one another so as to reflect Christ's relationship with us. Wives are to submit to their husbands as they would the Lord, and husbands are to lay down their self interest so that their wives may know Christ more. Marriage is a two-way road that ought to reflect our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It should not be forged into our own image. 

           I admit it is easy to write these things. Biblical truths are easy to regurgitate on paper. But, in my short time as John's wife, I am already beginning to see God's fingerprints in His marital design. When I am weak and struggling, John reminds me of what is true with understanding and compassion. When I worry yet again about the same thing, John encourages me to look to God and to hold to truth despite circumstances. He also makes me giggle to remind me that life isn't just a box of bitter chocolates.

         Is my husband perfect? Of course not! To say so would be absolutely insincere and, well, wrong. John has hurt me; I have hurt him. I have put me first in our marriage at times; John has put himself first in our marriage at times. But, the beautiful truth is that John is perfect for me. God has graciously given me a companion who encourages me toward Himself, and who loves me devotedly. Also, I mean, how can you not just smile at that boyish grin of his?? 

        Thank You, God, for the beautiful gift of marriage. Thank You for giving me the perfect companion for me. Thank You for John. 

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