I am so thankful that my husband was willing to agree with God, including the word I heard from the Holy Spirit: “You shall not drive.” Well, God sees everything at all times. Possibly He saw the danger I could bring to others or to myself if I were driving. I remember my husband’s response when I told him for the very first time what the Lord had said in this matter: “I’m really okay with it. Actually, I feel it’s right that God instructed you not to drive. Your mind zones out so often, and I don’t know if you could pay attention on the road at all!” I think that’s quite right, and I truly have lived out that “zone-out” experience whenever I am in a vehicle.

Last month, I went on an elder retreat with the church where my husband pastors. We were blessed to carpool with another couple. However, my “zone-out” button was on as usual. The three of them were in a very good conversation (I assume it was, because I was not even listening…), while my mind was off praying for needs that others had shared with me. After nearly a two-hour drive, I could not tell you anything they talked about. Were they laughing about something funny or concerned about something serious? I realized that I missed a present moment where relationship could have been built.

There are many good and right things we can do, just like Martha serving the Lord, but do we miss the moments to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice? Especially in marriage, where two people are called to become one—are we too distracted by the things that fill our minds?

Nowadays, there are youth events called “Lock-In,” which means coming together and focusing intensely on the same activity with each other. I think we can use that idea to encourage every married couple—it’s time to lock in.