Soul Mates

What is a soul mate? That term is most often used as a moniker for the person who is 'right' for us, the person with whom we will be happiest if we spend the rest of our lives in that person's presence. Then I read this definition:

"A true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you will ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Too painful! Soul mates come into your life just to reveal another layer of your self to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it!" *

I was thinking that this certainly changes the dynamics of our primary relationship with spouse or partner. This relationship is liberated from the burden of having to be all in all.

I think Jesus is the ultimate soul mate under the above definition. Jesus liberates us and our human relationships from needing to carry the burden of fulfillment. He offers to be our mirror, the one who smacks us awake and exposes all the self-delusional hubris that gets in the way of us becoming the true self God created us to be.
So what about a soul mate needing to leave us because a soul mate is too painful to live with forever? Jesus promised to be with us even to the end of the age, did he not? Well, yes, but he also gave us the freedom to choose. As our soul mate Jesus is not a daily, in-your-face scold but a gentle advocate for the way that brings health, life and renewal. We can choose to remain asleep. We can choose to build walls or to tear them down. Jesus will be with us regardless, as our mate, in our souls.
* from Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert