Monday, February 02, 2009

The Surprise of Christian Marriage

1st Monday Every Month at Chrysalis


I always thought it odd when my mom would take a bath and ask my dad to come wash her back. I mean, he would see her body, her WHOLE body. . .um. . .naked. Even when I was old enough to know that wasn't uncommon for married couples, the thought of growing up and having any man see me in all my glory was. . .EW. Not gonna happen.

I would be incredulous over stories of couples who wandered around their houses nude or made love in the middle of the day, in the light of day, where there was no place to hide. How could they do that? What gave them the self-confidence? I hated to be seen in swimsuit. There was no way I was going to be strutting my stuff, or lack thereof, in my birthday suit.

I grew up and fell in love, but the fear of exposing myself to another never went away. My clothes muffled the voices of my screaming physical faults. How could I shed them in front of the person I most wanted to impress without the cover of darkness? Why would I give those weaknesses a chance to sing? I couldn't imagine ever feeling comfortable enough to do so.

But then this weird thing happened. I got married. The two became one. And suddenly it didn't matter any more. Surprise of all surprises, you better believe God still does miracles, it wasn't an issue, at all. I was reminded of the description of Adam and Eve--"The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame."

Maybe it helps that my husband is legally blind without his glasses, but I don't think so. I take it as God's blessing. This is how marriage should be, two people bonded to one another as in no other relationship, their ability to be completely exposed a confirmation of their oneness.

I still shake my head and wonder how God did it, but I thank Him for this familiarity and ease with my husband. It is one more indication of His touch in our marriage.

Be sure to visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage for more Marriage Monday posts.

11 comments:

Miriam Pauline said...

Beautiful post! I love how God surprises us with comfort in the intimacy of marriage. Thanks for your honest approach to accepting that intimacy.

Betsy Markman said...

Love it! Amazing how fast that happens, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Great post, but I think now you'll be the envy of all wives as you have admitted that without glasses, Kevin is legally blind! This, I would kill for!

As always, thanks for the inspiring words with a little chuckle to go along with it! You have a gift at making that go hand in hand.

Monkey-Farmer-38 said...

You're still amazing...thanks once again for sharing of yourself to speak words of love to others

Unknown said...

Tami, Wow, Tami....

This is how marriage should be, two people bonded to one another as in no other relationship, their ability to be completely exposed a confirmation of their oneness...

This is awesome. I giggled and grinned through your post. You have such a way with words and you are vulnerable and honest. Just inspiring...

I was way pent up about being nude before I married. Miracles do happen... What a hoot and so very true!! Thank you for adding your warmth to our day at Marriage Monday. Love and hugs, Lynn

Susannah said...

Marvellous! A terrific post. Naked and not ashamed. (LOL, funny: Maybe it helps that my husband is legally blind without his glasses...)

Thanks for joining us for Marriage Monday today. :~D

Susannah said...

P.S. There seems to be something funky with your link over at Lynn's Mister Linky. Maybe you could enter it again? Hugs.

Tami said...

Thanks, e-Mom. I had no idea. I think I got her fixed now.

Love you,
Tami

Denise said...

Such a lovely post dear.

Donetta said...

Funny thought, my 11 year old is like that ew....
I am still after 27 years learning to see me through HIS eyes.

Brenda said...

I love the comfortable sweetness of marriage.