When my husband and I were newly married, one of the surprises was the accountability to each other we now had.  We had been used to being able to go out for hours and not have to tell anyone where we were.  My husband Gary was especially fond of this kind of freedom, and as newlyweds we often got worried and fought over unknown or prolonged absences of the other. (Of course, this was before we all had cell phones).  One time my husband did not come home from his quiet time.  It was time for me to head to work, and still no Gary.  I did what I usually did in this situation - assumed the worst.  As I heard a distant siren (we lived near L.A.), I imagined our car and my husband's body in a twisted wreck.  I waited with a sickened stomach for my phone to ring with "the call".  I played out the conversation in my head:  "Mrs Simmons, your husband is dead.  We need you to come down to the station and fill out some paperwork."  I looked around our place and thought of how hard it would be to put away his clothes, etc.  I mean, I WENT THERE.  Right about then Gary pulled up, radio blaring, our dogs looking wet, muddy, and happy.  All that sickening sadness turned to anger.  I had to think fast - how was I going to get him back for this?  We were Christians;  I couldn't yell and scream, so I dropped to the floor in a crumpled heap right in front of our bedroom closet.  I played dead.  That would get him.  The only problem was, Gary didn't come into the bedroom.  He yelled "Hello," but when there was no answer, he didn't come searching for me.  The guy actually went and took a shower!  Now I had plenty of time to think, pray, and come to my senses, but I didn't.  I lay there uncomfortably for ten minutes.  Finally, he came into our bedroom and saw me.  He rushed to my side before I popped up and laughed and let him off the hook, feeling quite stupid.

I have since learned that it's a lot more effective to talk about how I feel,  even if we have to talk through it for hours.  Even if we have to talk more than once or twice about the same things.  My husband and I love each other, we love God, and we want us all to be happy.  Eventually when we talk, we come to understand each other, and it becomes clear that we never wanted to hurt each other.  We have learned to be a lot more considerate in letting each other know where we are and when we'll be home, too!  We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary, and we attribute the incredible love we now have to our each having daily quiet times, being active in the church together, and lots and lots of honest yet respectful talking.

Editor's Note:  This photo is Gary and Chris around the time this story took place.  Don't worry; Gary has since updated his look.