...went on a date with your spouse? Well, you should be able to remember because it should be recent, like in the last few weeks. I don't mean when was the last time you got really dressed up & went somewhere fancy. That doesn't have to be the norm. When was the last time you got away from the kids, away from work, away from sitting next to each other on your laptop & cell phone (that is not a date!)? When was the last time you intentionally connected?
Mine was last night. It was simple. We spent $10 including tip sharing a Root Beer Float, Peanut Butter Bliss, and watching NFL Live on a tv in a bar that was muted! We also had a quick & simple conversation about a book we are reading together. But after a few short minutes of reconnecting with my husband, I felt less stressed & more ready to face the rest of my week. I felt loved & valued. My love tank was filled with a little bit of quality time, holding his hand, and a few short kisses.
We go out almost every week. It doesn't happen by accident. My husband schedules them on his calendar. We put it in our budget. Yes, our childcare budget is actually more than our date budget b/c we can always just go walk around downtown!
I love my children. I am so blessed to be home with them ALL the time. But, my relationship with Buck is more important. We both believe the best things we can give our children in life are our own vibrant relationships with Jesus & then a healthy, fun marriage. And, that isn't going to happen crashing on the couch in sweats & a t-shirt at the end of every day. It's all about being intentional to invest in the important relationships.
I was talking with a student this week who said, "I remember the last time my parents went on a date. That's because it never happens. It was two years ago."
My heart sinks every time I hear that. And, I feel like I hear it more and more. Oh, how I long for more families to be anchored by the love of Jesus & a strong marriage--not by the baseball field, church activities, or simply living in the same home. God's design is so much more than that! But, you are going to have to go get it!
So here it is in a nutshell:
1. Date your spouse. Start with once a month, but do it!
2. Dates with your spouse do NOT include your children. That is called a family outing!
3. Dates don't have to cost a lot or anything.
4. Talk to your kids about your marriage & why it is important for you to go on dates! Our kids love that we go on dates. They love babysitters. They love helping mom get ready. And, they love reminding dad he has to drive on the date!
You will not regret it!!! What are some things you do intentionally to build your marriage up? What are some tips you have for helping couples jump in and start dating each other?
Amanda, definitely worth the sacrifice in other budget categories--and the earlier you start that the better! Love you friend.
Posted by: Beth Webb | 06 July 2012 at 08:50 AM
This was so timely for me to read! We are working on thinking up budget categories for when Dave gets a job (hopefully!) soon. We definitely should add a dating budget! Thanks for the post friend!
Amanda
Posted by: Carolina-orange.blogspot.com | 06 July 2012 at 08:44 AM