910: When You Stop Rushing This Happens

This episode comes out of an experience we had in the Chicago O’Hare Airport. In the midst of a busy travel day, we were paused in front of a restaurant menu when a woman struck up a conversation with us.

It ended up being more than we could have imagined. We learned a small part of her story and offered to pray with her. That was it. We didn’t exchange numbers. We didn’t say we’d follow up. And we didn’t talk about us.

But that moment was one we will never forget. It became a meaningful memory in our marriage. And it reminded us that so many couples are moving so fast through life that they’re missing these moments entirely.

When you’re constantly rushing, you don’t just miss moments with other people… you start missing your spouse too. You can be in the same place, at the same time, and still not be present with each other.

But in that moment with the stranger in the airport, we listened together, prayed together, and were impacted together. That moment built something in our marriage.

It strengthened our emotional intimacy because we were fully present and engaged in the same experience. It deepened our spiritual intimacy because we were living our faith out side by side. And it created a shared memory we’ll carry with us.

The important thing is that it wasn’t planned. It wasn’t a date night or big trip. It was a simple interruption that we chose to step into.

Here’s how you can pause the rush:

1. Notice where you’re rushing. Start becoming aware of how often you’re moving through your day on autopilot. Even naming it (“We’re rushing right now”) can shift the moment.
2. Be interruptible as a couple. Not every interruption is an inconvenience. What could have felt like a delay became a forever memory for us.
3. Step out spiritually together. We could have just listened and walked away. Instead, we asked, “Can we pray for you?” We didn’t worry about awkwardness. We simply stepped into what someone else needed.
4. Talk about the moments that matter. Instead of just moving on from meaningful experiences, ask: “What did that mean to you?” or “How did that impact you?”

That moment in the airport reminded us there are meaningful people and moments all around us every day. The question is: are you paying attention?

Because when you stop rushing and choose to be present to what’s right in front of you, it impacts others and strengthens your marriage in the process.