One of the greatest things about marriage is how you can learn from each other. Yesterday my husband Jay unknowingly taught me something that I hope to incorporate more and more into my life.

Story # 1:

Every Friday night we help lead at a youth group, and last night started off with a series of games entitled “Office Olympics.” Jay led an activity where the kids had to rest their head sideways on a piece of paper and trace the outline of their face.

One girl did not join a team and sat alone.  Several times throughout the night I saw Jay pursuing her, trying to get her to participate -  not because the games are that important, but because feeling wanted and included is. Finally the girl gave into Jay’s relentless pursuit, and ended up drawing the best, most detailed picture in the room.

Later I had her in my small group, and she opened up about her life, her hurts, and her struggles.  She had come with the heaviness of the world on her shoulders, and left knowing that at least someone cared to notice her.

Story # 2:

We drove home after youth group that same night, and saw a man in his 30s in a wheel chair wheeling himself along the dark road with no reflectors.  He looked exhausted as he tried to stay off the gravel on the shoulder while maintaining a somewhat safe distance from passing cars.

We drove right by and commented how dangerous it was for him to be on the road in a wheelchair.  After a minute, Jay asked:

“Should we ask him if he needs a ride?”

I immediately responded, “well how would we fit his wheelchair in our car?”  Jay turned the car around and responded, “first we will ask him if he needs help. Then we will figure out how to make it work.”

Bam. I realized he was the one with his priorities straight.

We drove up beside the man and asked if he wanted a lift.  A look of relief washed over his face and he replied that he would love a ride.  And wouldn’t you know it, his wheelchair folded up nicely in our trunk.  Looks like I have a lot to learn.

On the way to his house, we asked him how he had ended up in a wheelchair.  He told us that he had caused a drunk driving accident that killed his girlfriend and baby, and had a court date coming up soon.  He had flown through the windshield, leaving him too injured to get around without a wheelchair.  His weight gain from losing mobility was an added sorrow.

This man was broken, lonely, and living with a mountain of regrets.

We dropped him off and he shook our hands over and over, saying that the world needs more people like us. In my head I thought the world needs more people like Jesus. We departed with a God Bless and the peace of mind that he would not be hit by a car that night.

What did God teach me through Jay last night?  A lesson in dignity. People need to know they are not alone.  People need to know that Jesus loves them. And two people are hopefully closer to Jesus because of my husband’s decision to pursue them.  While I let ‘how’ paralyze me, Jay took initiative and gave the gift of dignity to these two people who needed it.

I love it when my husband looks like Jesus. Thanks for setting an example baby.

Michelle