As we prioritize our life and fit our marriage into our list of the responsibilities, we often find our self arranging expensive dinners and outings. This is not necessary, however. A picnic in nature, 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 nights 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 on the lips 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. We can take turns booking a babysitter that we trust and who will show up on time.
However, our best dates can occur right at home. Put the kids to bed and then watch a movie on TV, or listen to the music channel while snuggling and chatting 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 about what we are thinking will all make this time together more enjoyable. Occasional, serious discussions about our interests and concerns also enable us to connect more deeply.
Making adjustments in our habits, decisions and schedules allow this to occur too. Our dating hinders the devil from planning traps that cause us to drift apart. Life already gives us enough surprises to deal with; so if we draw near to God and resist the devil, then he has to flee from us (James 4:7).
Sincerely caring about one another builds affection. Showing empathy and compassion for our mate's disappointments helps us to create a deeper unity between us. We just need to schedule daily couple time into our weekly 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 which we experienced from significant others in our former interactions. Remind us that You want to heal us from these past traumatic occurrences. Teach us how to accept each other as individuals, separate from the people in our past.
Help us to make You a priority in our time together too. Instruct us on how to appreciate, respect and honor You and one another. Remind us to schedule time to play together, to share true and intimate affection, to remember to do the little things for our mate that means so much to them, and to cherish each other. Inspire us to create our time together to include our spouse's interests as well as our own. Teach us to create dates that do not overload our budget, but still allow quiet and relaxation, free from the 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 stress-free time to relax and to make wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime; the key is for us to love our mate with his/her “love language,” and not with our own “love language,” because this is the only way that they will truly feel valued and appreciated.
