Ross

A quick break from gushing over my girls to gush over someone who doesn't get the spotlight near enough.  I could say many things about how hard Ross works and how kind his demeanor remains in the midst of chaos, but I have a specific story to tell that is a testament to his character.  

Sometimes, at the end of the month, I realize that we haven't tithed and we don't have any money to spare.  I know this is backwards and that we should give our first fruits and I will just go ahead and expose us now.  And by us, I really mean me since I am in charge of all our finances.  I could easily write that check FIRST, but often, I do not.  I say that I will when we make more money or have hospital bills paid off or any other ridiculous excuse.

Residents can moonlight in their second and third year for extra money that is above the salary the hospital pays them.  Moonlighting is a hard call because we need the extra money, but definitely do not want Ross away from us more.  Two weeks ago Ross took a moonlighting job and I was counting the moments until that check came in.  And there it was, $800 staring me in the face.  I started thinking about paying off this bill or helping with that one and maybe sneaking in a few new outfits for the girls and set the check aside with some of my notes. 

The next day Ross said he needed to talk to me and he picked up the check and said, "I would like to give this all to the church."  EXCUSE ME?  Ummmm maybe the next check.....  Do you know how much we need this?  All that work for nothing?  A million thoughts went through my head, but I knew he was right.  I listened as he explained his conviction and was so proud of him for leading us in the right direction. 

I tell this story not to brag at how great Ross is or for you to think of how selfish I am (especially not the latter).  I tell this story so that my girls can read this someday and know how important it is to have a man leading the household with integrity.  So they will know how important it is to have someone gently call you out when your behavior is not in line with the commandments we are given to follow.  No, Ross isn't perfect, and many times I am quick to point that out to him.  I'm ridiculously far from perfect and considered sprinting away with that check clenched between my hands. 

However, on that evening, I felt such a peace knowing that the money was going where it needed to.  I threw away the list where I had divvied up all the amounts and thanked my husband for his faith and quiet strength that continues to lead our family.