Created to Create

Listening to a sermon on "Marriage", I heard a concept this morning that struck me...
Before time, God existed in unity with Himself-- in perfect, happy fellowship with one another, the Trinity lacked nothing. There was no need for God to create anything in order to complete anything. He was completely whole and satisfied.
If so, then why would He create a whole universe (or many), a human race capable of much imperfection and unhappiness, and people who would turn away from His goodness and glory and ultimately trash His name?
Very simply, out of His heart of Love, He had a desire to create. Not just to make beautiful mountain ranges, galaxies and intricate flowers, but to image forth Himself by creating men and women. It doesn't just say that He created man in His image-- Genesis makes a point of saying, "Male and Female, He created them." There is a sense in which He created adam and eve (marriage) to uniquely reflect not only the intimate fellowship He enjoys with the Trinity, but to image forth the glory of relationship He longs to have with US....
He has a longing to create. And as we image Him, whether single or married, we have a desire to create too. Not just a desire to create children who will image us, but a unique set of giftings that mark us as individual "co-creators" with God.
I have a desire to create writing; my husband is not fulfilled unless he is creating music. I have friends who are passionate about creating various kinds of art, photography, websites, and beautiful houses. I know women who have a distinct desire to create classrooms in their homes, memories for their kids, special romantic evenings for their husbands, and nutritious/delicious meals for their friends and families. I know men who love to create home projects, work with their hands, restore broken things to working order, solve problems, and have a genuine need to feel productive with their lives. And it always amazes me to watch children discover their own desires to create-- through mud pies, finger paint, make-believe, and empty cardboard boxes...
The talents and passions are unique and seemingly endless-- and all reflect God's creativity in a glorious kind of way.
One of the things I feel challenged by as a married woman (and soon-to-be mom), is this privilege and responsibility I have to display God to the world through my marriage. In essence, to create a picture of Christ and the church (His bride) that accurately portrays His Love. I know that this is impossible in my own strength-- and yet "to whom much is given , much is required." But I've also heard and experienced that the reverse is also true-- To whom much is required, much is given. I have been given all I need, through Christ, to, along with dave, create a marriage relationship that shows the world around us what it means to be loved by God. To lay down our lives for one another, to sacrifice behind the scenes, to pour time and energy first and foremost into our relationship, and work hard to maintain passion, romance, and joy, that others might see God's Love on display. A love that is so different from the world around us. A world that values self promotion, independence, and acheivement above humility, selflessness, and faithfulness. A marriage that points not to our own beauty and strength, but to God's. That others might see and know that it is not about our creativity, but His. It is not our own love that keeps us going, but His Love. His patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.... at work in our life. I want my marriage to be my primary creative outlet- that our children might know from a young age that healthy and happy marriages are possible to create and keep. That they might learn about God's character and heart through the way Daddy loves Mommy, and Mommy respects Daddy.
I realize that this goal is more difficult to acheive than just writing about it... but what more worthy goal is there in my life to run after? What more precious commodity have I been given than a foundation of trust and intimacy that reflects the very heart of God our Creator? I love that I get to spend this life creating, in the image of God. And I want to take advantage of this lifelong calling and opportunity to do what I was ultimately created to do-- Love and be loved by my Creator.