As we
prioritize our marriage in our list of the responsibilities in our life, we
often find our self arranging expensive dinners and outings. This is not
necessary, however. A picnic, popcorn and iced tea with a TV movie, or hot
cocoa and s'mores in front of the fireplace are just as fulfilling.
The object
of date night is to relax, to enjoy each other's company, and to gaze into one
another's eyes in order to see the love filling them. We just need quality time
to connect, to bond, and to give smooches instead of hurried pecks on the
cheek.
Creative
dating is challenging, but fun at the same time. Both husband and wife can
participate in the planning or in arranging a surprise date that we think our
mate will enjoy.
Our best
dates can occur right at home. Put the kids to bed and then watch a movie on
TV, listen to the music channel while snuggling on the couch, or enjoy a
Christian broadcasting special together. The key word is "together".
As we daily
choose to include one another in our plans, activities and options, we grow closer.
Laughter, playfulness and talking make this time together more enjoyable.
Serious discussions about our interests and concerns also enable us to bond.
Making
adjustments in our habits, decisions and schedules allow this to occur. Dating
hinders the devil from planning traps that cause us to drift apart.
Sincerely
caring about one another builds affection. Showing empathy and compassion for
one another's disappointments help us to create a deeper bond between us. We
just need to schedule couple time into our calendar and make it our top
priority.
Prayer:
Father God,
as marriage partners, we often see each other through the filter of past
experiences, relationships and trauma. We project onto each other's responses
the attitude and emotions we experienced from former significant others. Remind
us that You want to heal us from these past traumatic experiences and help us
to accept each other as individuals, separate from people in our past.
Help us to
make You a priority in our time together. Instruct us to appreciate, respect
and honor one another. Remind us to schedule time to play together, to share
true and intimate affection and to cherish each other. Inspire us to create our
time together to include our mate's interests as well as our own. Teach us to
create dates that do not tax our budget, but still allow quiet and relaxation,
free from concerns and issues that normally engulf our attention.
Thought for
the Day:
Every
locality offers enjoyable free events that can serve as creative couple time;
and "at home dates" give us time to relax and make wonderful memories
to cherish for a lifetime.
