Thank goodness (or God, actually) for God’s grace. When asked “what have you learned from being married so far,” I’m tempted to talk about how I’m getting used to living with someone else, or how we’re enjoying learning to cook together, or how we’re learning to make each other treats when our spouse comes home after a long day. But really, my biggest lesson is that we’re both sinful people. How romantic.
Actually, it’s no surprise. And it’s not a downer, either. It’s a simple truth that I let myself forget frequently – letting my mind convince myself that I’m an outstanding person who’s entitled to a great life. How far from the truth!
In truth, I’m a sinful person who doesn’t deserve anything – not even the grace of Christ. Though I love my wife and seek to serve her daily, I’m simultaneously selfish; in fact, my “seek to serve” thoughts are often pitted against the desire to play with Google Earth’s flight simulator or neglect taking out the trash. Such is life, I believe. Each day we must choose between what is right or good (in my case, what the Bible’s commanded me to do) and what is selfish (which seems good at first glance but is often less fulfilling in the bigger picture).
This has been my biggest lesson in my four months of marriage: realizing to point where I’m able to admit my sins against Cat freely, take responsibility for them, and act intentionally to fix them. I’m sometimes able to do this well, and more often not able to pull it off – but thankfully, this is a small step in my sanctification. I’m very happy to have reached this point!
I hope we’re able to admit and confront sin easily throughout our marriage. Indeed, it’s easier said than done – since emotions often cripple my ability to get past square one. We will continue to sin against one another, and are determined to respond in love, forgiveness, and with an ambition to improve. Thank God for His abundant grace!
So, if what I’ve dished out isn’t romantic enough for you, perhaps this will be: I’ve learned to make quiche (thanks to my friend Harold’s Vermont cookbook). And ice cream (thanks to the ice cream maker we “borrowed” from Cat’s parents). And delicious cocktails (thanks to the free Mixology iPhone app). And brownies (because I have the intellectual capacity to comprehend the instructions on the back of the box). And I’m enjoying my newfound kitchen skills! Cat will continue taking pictures of my creations.
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