“Urgh,” I said in irritation, “why did you lose this? Now I have to help you re-do it. It’s a waste of my time!”
Instead of being upset with me, I’m grateful that instead, a big smile broke out across Cliff’s face.
“You need help to get back into doing your first triathlon after 7 years. I’m going to coach you, help you, encourage you. I’m committed to doing all the above, and let me tell you something, you’re NOT a waste of my time!”
I’m grateful, that for all my sinfulness, your grace breaks through my self-centredness to show me what it means for us to lay our lives down for each other.
“Let me tell you what’s REALLY funny,” he continued. “I waste your time for you to help me, you ‘waste’ my time when I help you… we slow each other down- maybe that’s what marriage is about!”
He broke out into a big laugh.
And it hit me, that truly, maybe that’s what it’s about. It’s about going slower, but farther together.