Last November I married Brett. I wish you could meet him. His heart for orphans and troubled youth is inspiring. When he asks questions, he genuinely cares about your answer. Being married to my best friend is one of my most cherished gifts.
However, he takes up a lot of time. Marriage takes up a lot of time.
A lot of my time used to go toward running, watching documentaries, or discussing the latest reality TV show. Now much of my time is invested in learning about my husband and how to love him well.
For instance, did you know men usually leave their socks on the floor, even though the hamper is only inches away? Or that it’s not fair to just assume your husband wants to watch a romantic comedy?
I still want to save the world, but before I do, I need to figure out what to make for dinner.
Before marriage, I never worried about cooking. In fact, I used the oven in my small apartment for extra storage space for my shoe collection! I knew how to budget for myself: money for food (that didn’t need to be cooked in said shoe-storage oven), my Compassion children, rent, and the occasional new pair of shoes. Now, I need to think about what is best for us as a couple.
You know what I realize as I begin to think about what’s best for us as a couple? I am really selfish.
Marriage feels like someone is holding up a mirror toward my face constantly reflecting who I really am.
When I look into that mirror, am I seeing someone who reflects God’s heart?
I know that God’s heart is for the poor. The widowed and the orphan. Are Brett and I making decisions to reflect that love?
Are you and your family reflecting God’s heart through your choices?
In only a few short months, marriage is helping me see more clearly that my time and my money are not my own. How can the lessons of marriage develop into a mind-set that is constantly more selfless?
I realize that the lessons are just beginning for me and Brett. I pray that as we learn and become more gracious with each other and the process, our hearts will become more Christlike and even more concerned with the matters of His heart.