In the last episode, I talked about going on a date to bring rainbows back into your marriage. This week I want to talk to you about secret number two to bring a rainbow back into your marriage.

SECRET NUMBER TWO: Volunteer together.

Bob was overwhelmed at work with all the chaos that comes with managing a crew of unhappy employees. Unknowingly, he was bringing his stress home. Julie, his wife was at her wits end as she observed his short temper and reclusive behavior towards the children. A friend of hers invited her to show up at the local homeless shelter on Saturday morning to feed those who were less fortunate. That's when she had an idea. "Honey, would you be interested in joining me and the kids down at the shelter on Saturday?" To her surprise, he said yes.

Saturday morning came, they all arrived, Bob was preoccupied with thoughts of work and was still distant with his family.

Julie was fully engaged with the staff as they prepared for the inrush of hungry people. Bob was staged next to Julie in the food line while his two sons were asked to manage the beverages. When the doors opened, a crowd of hungry people rushed the line. He was overtaken by their countenance as they wouldn't make eye contact with him. Sheepishly, they would indicate their preference between bacon and sausage. Bob obliged their orders as they slowly progressed down the line. Bob then glanced over to Julie and was deeply impacted by her gracious smile with each person. "So, what's your name?" She would ask. Quietly, each one responded. "Thank you so much for coming this morning, God really loves you." she said with compassion. A smile would find its way across their face. Bob was in tears. He then looked across the room and saw his boys delivering milk or water and chatting it up with the recipients with an occasional outburst of laughter. He was so proud.

Bob realized, he had been disconnected with his amazing family for a long time. Just watching them serve others pierced his heart and lifted his spirits. On the way home, he stopped at Dairy Queen and treated everybody with a joy they hadn't seen in a long time. "Hey guys, I just wanted to say how proud of you I am. Watching you serve people today really made me rethink my own life. I am sorry for being a little distant lately." Julie reached over and took his hand as if to say "It's ok baby°.I still love you".

Laughter found its way back into their family as Bob rearranged what really mattered most.

Pam and I have had countless moments like Bob and Julie. Serving others has unintended benefits. It helps you escape your own stresses and appreciate the smaller things in life. God has a way of taking care of you when you are taking care of others.

In Proverbs, it talks about a virtuous wife.
"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

In John, it talks about a virtuous person.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

So, there you go. Get out there and serve, give, laugh and love.
Pam and I are praying for you.

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