A look in the mirror can be quite revealing. The elevator at work has a full length mirror inside. With the heavy wind and rain of the Scottish winter, I am often quite shocked at the state of my appearance when I enter it. I may leave my house in order, but I arrive to work only to discover my hair is a rat's nest and my face is dry and beaten from the cold winter winds. It can be a bit disheartening to see that you look a mess, but I am continually thankful for the opportunity that mirror provided to correct my disheveled appearance before showing up in my office, especially on days when I have important meetings.
Marriage has provided me with a different kind of mirror- a sort of mirror into the heart. Over the past two and 1/2 years I have learned more about myself than I ever wanted to. Proverbs teaches that 'as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.' How true it is! Being intimately tied to another human-being is like adding heat to the refiner's pot, allowing all the imperfections and inpurities to rise and bubble to the surface. Parts of my character I had so carefully hidden away are daily exposed. At times I find myself wondering, 'Where did that come from?', 'Have I always been this disagreeable, selfish and unreasonable?'
As horrifying as it is to look at the reality of these ugly aspects of my character, it also provides an opportunity for marriage to mirror a more beautiful reality- that of God's grace. My failings are not just apparent to me, but to my loving husband. Ross gracious accepts me, through my temper tantrums and selfishness, and choses to encourage, support and love me in spite of whatever mood I may be in. This very real aspect of my human marriage has opened my eyes even more to the amazing grace and love I have in Christ. For my God is more aware of my weaknesses than Ross, and yet His love is so much greater!
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