Silver is a metal that as it is refined in the heat of the flame, the impurities that darken and hide it's beauty, slowly fall away. The silversmith must keep a close watch on the silver during the entire process to insure it's beauty is brought forth and not destroyed. Over and over, he carefully puts it into the center of the fire and then withdraws it, studying it closely to see if it is ready. Then, the moment comes when he knows that his work has brought forth beauty...when he sees his own reflection in it. The black, dingy piece of metal has now become valuable, because of this reflection...because of the work of the faithful silversmith.
There is a reason that the 25th wedding anniversary is represented by silver. As my husband and I celebrate ours today, I can't help but see the parallel of the years to this process...
When we first got married, there were so many "impurities" of selfishness and pride, that it was often hard to believe there was anything of value under all those layers of dingyness. But through the years, as we have surrendered more and more of ourselves to the Silversmith and the wisdom of His plan and purpose, and as He has used the "heat" of life and marriage, we can see that His gentle hand has slowly removed and refined much "slag" or impurities from us. Refining is not an easy or overnight process and we are by no means perfect, but I am thankful that our Silversmith has always been watchful and patient over these 25 years. He has never left us to be destroyed in the heat, but has brought our marriage to a place where it can begin to become what it was intended to be by the Silversmith, from the beginning of time...a reflection of His sacrificial love to the world.
I pray His reflection becomes ALL that can be seen over the next 25 years... Amazing grace!
