Fifty-Two Times a Year

Previously we discussed how you can remind your spouse daily that they are important to you.  The weekly challenge requires a little more forethought and creativity.  What is one thing you can do to remind your spouse that they are still special to you, that you do not take them for granted, and that they are an important part of your life?  Millions of marriages each week fall closer and closer to a boring, disintegrating marriage where they have become just roommates going through life together. Taking time each week to reinforce your spouse's importance to you is time well spent.

Ideas:

• Write a letter telling your spouse how much you love her or why you respect him.
• Buy a card that says it all or make your own that shares your heart's desire.  
• The classics never die, bring home some flowers.
• Purchase glow in the dark stars and put them on the ceiling.  Later, make love under the stars.
• Take your wife on a weekend adventure.  Bring your spouse into your world.  Give your spouse the gift of time.
• Camp in a local park, campground, state park, etc.
• Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle-boards and explore the local lake.
• Go on a hike or walk in a local park or sanctuary.
• Walk the local arboretum or go to the zoo.
• Get in the car, drive to a new place, stop somewhere along the way and have a picnic.

Let's talk about date night.  One of the first things to go when kids come around or work starts putting demands on your time is date night.  Fight for it!!!!  Each week take the time to reconnect in some small way.

• Go to a book store, head to the travel section, and explore far away places you hope to visit one day.
• Spend time together cooking a meal.
• Go to a coffee shop and people watch.
• Go in the back yard and star-gaze using an Ap on your phone to identify constellations.  

Note: Theaters and movies don't make the best date night as it does not allow for communication.  While they are a good way for a guy to relax and for both of you to be entertained, women will often not feel that a date at the movie is really a date.

Guys, remember...women often need the gift of attention, listening and sharing.

Women, remember...men need the gift of friendship, encouragement, presence and sexual intimacy.

Date nights and time spent together each week should reflect your willingness to serve your spouse in a way that is important to them.

If you go on a date and have some trouble thinking of something to talk about, find a list of conversation starters on the internet.  Make small cards with each topic, put all the topics in a bowl, and choose one to discuss over dinner or desert.  Here is one I found that has a gabizilion tons  (technical measurement) of questions.

Finally, if you are having trouble dating, simply ask each other what you would enjoy doing together.  In fact, this can be your first date night conversation.  Make a list of those things that would be special to you or your spouse and refer back to it as needed.  Remember, neither of you are  a mind reader so it is important to give your spouse the gift of insight into your heart.  Don't expect they will just know what you want.  Open up and share.

Scripture for this week:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest if the others.  Philippians 2:3-4

Prayer:  Father, give me ears to hear the heart of my spouse and the vulnerability to share my heart with them.  Help us learn to spend time with one another in ways that strengthen our marriage, and in doing so, strengthens our family.