For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.Ephesians 2:10
I love music. It creates a story or a snapshot a listener can feel or relate to. In fact, everyone in my family is musically gifted, even my kids. Some of the best memories growing up in the Arizona desert included music. I would play with what seemed like millions of cousins in the front yard while my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles assembled on the porch playing guitars, harps, banjos, and harmonicas. Attached to these memories are old mostly Don Williams songs and haunting melodies of Amazing Grace.
Every memory of my life is attached to some sort of music. I walked down the aisle to Cannon D, when we renewed our vows 15 years later the music had changed to Hey Pretty Girl by Kip Moore. Battleships by Daughtry was my go to when Chris and I were fighting and when we made up, it was 500 Miles by The Proclaimers.
One evening after a rocky misunderstanding with my husband, I realized marriage is like music. Marriage isn’t a solo act, it’s a duet. It takes a husband and a wife united as one, stepping into harmony. It goes beyond a single instrument. When music is played, no two performers play the same notes but they create single seamless masterpieces.
Each marriage is a masterpiece in the making. Consider the word masterpiece. What comes to mind? A painting, architecture, or a great literary work. If you were to consider something out of God’s creation, what would it be? The rolling waves of the ocean? The Colorado Rocky Mountains? Lighting bugs on a cool summer night?
The word masterpiece means a work or performance surpassing excellence. The etymology of the word comes from the Dutch language meesterstuk which a craftsman attains the rank of master. And isn't this like our God, the master craftsman to call us the masterpieces of his creation? Our marriage song ought to play the liturgy that embraces the infinite fullness of our Creator.
We may feel unfinished or completely unprepared to harmonize with our spouse. We all have bad times, times of underlying tensions and heated conflict. There will be moments when we are out of count. Then there will be times where we find ourselves on high notes creating songs of celebration. Other moments, songs of battle and songs of sorrow. Our job is to remember even when we’re out of sync is that each of us is a masterpiece in progress. A work in progress.
Questions for reflection: What is your marriage melody? During times of conflict, do you keep in mind that you and your spouse are a work in progress?
Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Hey, it’s not for everyone) with her three kids and husband of 20 years. She writes to bring bold truths to marriage, career, mental health, faith, relationships, celebration and heartache. Heather is a former national award-winning journalist and is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today's Christian Woman and Focus On the Family. You can find her at heatherriggleman.com.
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