Opposites

For many years now, I’ve noticed that my husband and I are “opposites.” For example, he’s an “extravert” and I’m an “introvert.”

This morning, while in the bathroom, I noticed the towels we hung after we used them—his was neatly folded, while mine was just thrown over the holder.

He’s also very meticulous when he puts away the dishes or groceries, while I put them away wherever they will fit. I used to notice how other married couples tended to be opposites of one another too—some were only slightly opposite while others were “polar” opposites (one was really loud and the other was very quiet).

My theory for why “opposites” attracted was that the other person had characteristics we lacked— like two puzzle pieces, when two opposites married, then they became one, complete, person.

The idea of opposites made me think about how opposite we are to God—He is righteous, and we are not; He is loving, and we are unloving; He is sinless, and we are sinful.

I thought about how the Bible describes our relationship with God as a marriage— “For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name…” (Isaiah 54:5), “When that day comes,” says the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband…’” (Hosea 2:16).

We are extreme “polar opposites” of God, yet He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us—there is nothing we can give to God but He can give us so much. Those that believe and follow Him become a “new person.”

My husband’s extroversion and neatness has influenced me to be a little more vocal and to be a little neater. My relationship with God has influenced me to stand up for what is right, to be more loving, and to be more conscious of temptations and to ask Him for forgiveness when I commit sins.  

Our marriage should help us to be a better person. I may never be a “perfect” wife, but I am a better person than before I got married (before my marriage, the towel would have been thrown on the floor and the dishes would have remained in the dishwasher).

I am definitely a much better person now than I was before I became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that God has given me these opportunities to become the person that He wants me to be.

Copyright © 2013 Dr. M. Teresa Trascritti