The Surprise of Christian Marriage

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.