As Iron Sharpens Iron | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

As Iron Sharpens Iron

We're fire-- for better or for worse.

17
As Iron Sharpens Iron
Cupcakes&Coffee Creations

Last week I came across this article on how opposites certainly did attract in this woman's marriage. Her relationship with God helps her and her husband overcome their differences. It hit home like Ali's anchor punch. I love and deeply respect my fiance. He is wise, caring, and hard working. He's also radically different than me (not as if I'm some standard to be measured against). He's an extrovert who occasionally enjoys time alone. I'm an introvert who always enjoys time alone (always). He was homeschooled, starting community college at age 16. I was public schooled through and through. He's very conservative politically. I'm a more liberal breed of conservative (terrifying I know). He's hilarious, even downright silly sometimes, always making me laugh. My humor is drier than the Sahara. He can go with the flow. I need a 12 day advance notice for any change in plans.

We're radically different, some might even say mismatched. To make matters even "worse", our engagement has not been a fairytale. The starry-eyed disillusion of thinking we were made for each other wore off a long time ago. We drive each other insane and can aggravate one another to no end. And yet, I've never been more in love. It's far too easy to get caught up in the differences and begin to think we simply aren't right for each other. There's just no way this is possible, right? I mean, God can't work in lives that are so different. He's not big enough for that. (There's that lovely sense of humor again.)

Please don't interpret that as sacrilegious, though let me make my point clear. Of course we're not perfect for each other! When we passively allow sin into our lives we hurt people, particularly those we're closest to. It's not a fairytale, but it can be sanctifying. Our differences are far from the main issue. Sure, they can make things more complicated, but that's just more opportunities for applying those good communication skills. The real issue, as always, is God. He is the eternal point of everything.

When I take a step back from "how does this help me" and look at the ways God is shaping me through my relationship with my fiance and get a far better and more accurate perspective. Because of our differences I'm constantly pushed out of my comfort zone. He challenges me to speak wisdom boldly and assertively. He helps me learn to appreciate silly and laugh at myself (it really does a soul good). I delve into God's word with renewed earnestness when I see it changing our attitudes. We're friends and partners who point each other back to the Cross saying "I know I don't truly love you like Jesus does, but I'm committed to spending the rest of my life working towards becoming more like Him." I am a far better person, much more solidified in my Christ foundation since meeting my man. God has sacrificed for and forgiven me more than I can truly imagine. The least I can do is extend that towards my fiance.

We're precious works in progress-- bits of clay being shaped towards glory. I see glimmers of that glory in my man when he teaches God's word, when he humbly admits a wrong, when he confidently proclaims God's faithfulness and leads us towards remembrance of it. I cannot wait until the day when I stand before the throne and see God reward him for the faithful servant he is. It's with the aim of serving as Jesus would, that I enter into my marriage with no false perceptions of perfection or soul mates, but with the dedication to grow into the woman God is creating me to be, alongside my very best friend. When iron sharpens iron there are bound to be sparks; the shaping is uncomfortable and a lengthy process, but it creates something beautiful.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196506
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18615
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460687
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28209
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments