I can always count on the Ortner.

I knew before I got married that couples, as they grow together, begin to finish each others sentences, always know what the other is thinking in awkward situations, etc. I had no idea, though, to what extent 2 people can actually become 1. Below is an example of something that happens more often than I ever would have thought, if I were ever to think about this, in my single days:

I wore a green t-shirt and jeans to church today. So did Hannah. Not a big deal- it was unintentional (and I was dressed FIRST this morning), but still… this kind-of thing can be perceived as cheesy if people make the assumption that it was planned. The thing is, I didn’t even NOTICE until we were parked outside the church!  I’m ok with a few people assuming we dressed alike on purpose… So I walked in through the front doors and quickly melted into the crowd.

Almost immediately I was pulled to the side by NLC staff. They needed another couple at the front to help pass out the bread chips and grape juice for communion. I agreed. I love to help with communion. And then I remembered that Hannah and I could trade clothes without anyone noticing. The very assumption I feared just before walking through the church doors would soon be held by 500+ people.

This was a problem. I’m not that cheesy. Neither is Hannah.

When a problem rears its ugly head in my life, a close friend of mine is CONSISTENTLY there for me. Good ‘ole Mike Ortner (see inset picture – next time you see him, if you know him, ask him about this face).

I scanned the dark santuary finding him in the usual place, standing with his back to the rear wall. I approached him, told him very quickly that I needed to trade him shirts. Without hesitation, he turned and walked out the door and down the hall toward the men’s restroom. Loyal Mike.

Picture this:

1) A man, let’s call him Frank (big, burly Frank), had just finished his bidness and was approaching the sinks as we entered the restroom. 

2) Mike and I, facing each other, both take our t-shirts off in a hurried frenzy… and we were probably smiling due to the nature of this strange, slightly awkward situation… 

3) Big Burly Frank ran out the door. 

4) Jared and Hannah, later in the service, probably served Frank communion.

Awesome? Yes, awesome.

Please pray with me: Lord, please show Frank the truth of the situation. We want Frank to come back to church. Thanks. Amen.