Husband/Hero

I was scared out of my mind. Something happened when my husband and I were on vacation. We had rented a space in San Diego by the beach with our son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids. Mike and I arrived a day before they did and we decided to take a walk by the beach at 8:30 p.m. Okay, let’s stop right there. We thought it was safe. We didn’t realize there could be trouble by the beach. We didn’t realize there would only be a few people out walking. We didn’t realize beach life on a Tuesday night was different than a Friday or Saturday night.

We didn’t realize…

As we strolled by one group of young adults we just walked looking ahead and hoped not to be noticed because they didn’t “feel” safe. We passed without incident.

But on the way back…

We made sure to be on the far side of the walkway as we planned on just passing by.

Then a tall male locked eyes on us and began to approach. My heart rate went up and I could feel my pulse rise. Then he put his hand out to shake. At this point I’m squeezing Mike’s hand like it was silly putty and I’m thinking, “This is how we die.” Then the tall male says, “Hey, what’s up?” with his hand reached out like he was toying with us while his friends watched on. Now I’m thinking, “We are getting jumped. Or robbed. Or made sport of. Yup, we could die here.”

Before I continue I must describe my husband…

I think he’s perfect, but to make the story clear he is not a big man. He’s just not. I happen to like that, but in this situation I was wishing he was 6’ 5’ and 200 pounds.

As this young male approached us I’m frozen with fear and hanging onto my husband’s hand like I was hanging from a ledge… and my breathing stopped.

The tall male was standing next to us with his hand reached out.

Then Mike looked the guy square in the eyes and gave him a firm handshake. He responded with, “Hey, how’s it goin’ man?”

The guy said, “Good. You both have a good night.”

Mike said, “Thanks. You have a good night too.”

And we walked on…

as I took a breath.

Once we got far enough away I said, “How did you know how to handle that? Wow. I’m so impressed. I was scared out of my mind.”

Mike chuckled and said, “Yes, you were squeezing my hand to death. I don’t know what he wanted but it seemed clear he was trying to scare us. I don’t know, maybe he was selling drugs or something. I don’t know. But I knew to give him respect and a firm handshake and look him in the eyes.”

I said, “How did you know that?”

Mike said, “I guess it’s my years in ministry understanding people.”

And then it hit me. My husband is a pastor and I’ve seen him treat all kinds of people the same. Whether someone is a dishwasher, janitor, president, food server, or manager he treats everyone with respect and honor. Anytime someone comes to him with a complaint, he treats them with respect. Anytime someone comes to him for help, he treats them with respect. Whatever the circumstance he treats people no matter who they are with honor and kindness.

So, when this young man—who seemed scary—approached us Mike treated him like he treats people regardless of their circumstance, beliefs, or race. He treats people with kindness and respect and honor.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

– Matthew 7:12

I gained a new awe of my husband that night and it reminded me why I fall in love with him over and over.

Always notice the good qualities of your spouse and make it a habit to notice how wonderful they are and why you love them.

For more from Lucille Williams on marriage order a copy of “From Me to We” and “The Intimacy You Crave.”For tools to parent your strong-willed child order “The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace.”And for little ones Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6.