What Happens After Opposites Attract

If you want a sneak peak into the Conlee marriage, here is how two absolute opposites find a way to make marriage work...THE BACKSTORYWhen my husband and I began dating, he was pursuing a career as a professional golfer. Our dates had to be after dark. If the sun provided ANY light, Chris would be practicing. While we don’t condone gambling now the standard bet then was $50 and their car for the night. The result -Chris had money for a date and a different sports car many of the nights he came to take me out.The year before we got married, the golf career was retired when God called Chris to the ministry. Both the opportunity to make a putt for the use of a nice car and the opportunity to make a bunch of money and buy one were in our rearview mirror. With that said, you might understand why Chris claims that the only thing that got worse when he married me was his car.Over the last 19 years, Chris has driven a little Nissan pick-up, my grandfather’s Ford Taurus, and 2 used Honda Accords. From my incredibly practical personality, a Honda is an amazing car. If you had told me that the Honda was the nicest car I would ever drive, I would be totally satisfied. It is safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient. What more could a woman want?To the man with adrenaline in his veins, it was very responsible and boring. I am pretty sure all of Chris’ cars to date have cried whenever he approached. Chris is gentle with people, but not with cars! Despite his preferences, he insisted I always drive the newer and better car.CURRENT EVENTSRecently, when his 13-year-old car would not start, we got the news that it needed over $700 worth of repairs.We had hoped to hold on to the car long enough for our son to drive, but with the airbags not functioning even that was a questionable plan. We decided to get the car appraised to learn it was worth exactly $700.This should have been a very happy day. For ten years we have been saving our pennies so that when this day came that we would not be surprised. Chris told our church about 6 years ago, “I am telling you now. Do not be surprised. One day I will buy a convertible... I am not having a mid-life crisis.”In his mind, I think he imagined revving a few engines, picking a manly color, and driving off the lot. Little did he take into account that he married Mrs. Consumer Report. 17 days later and more mental gymnastics than you can count; we still don’t have a car. He works harder than anyone I know, so I desperately want him to have the car he desires. Chris honors my preferences and has patiently considered every pro and con list, insurance quote, and inspection report that I have brought to him. We will eventually find a way to have a fun car within our budget. In the meantime, we’ll trust that God brought us together to ride in a conservative but fun, responsible but fast, reliable but sporty something! Now to just figure out what that is!