I went on a date last night. Actually it was more like yesterday afternoon, evening, and night. We ate together and then enjoyed the Astros game at Minute Maid Park – and yes my wonderful bride enjoys the game too. We had a great time. It was an investment. Not only in regards to cash, because we splurged with a trip to the ballpark, but in our relationship.
Our story consists of three wonderful kiddos… but don’t relegate dating your spouse to something you only need to do when you have kids. All of us are constantly giving away our time. We all make commitments every single day that demand not just our time but our emotional energy as well.
We are especially guilty of this as suburban dwellers. When we commit to an opportunity it isn’t just about the time it takes to complete the opportunity but we must also consider the amount of time we are thinking, day-dreaming, or researching this new opportunity. Every facet of that takes a piece of us away from our marriage and gives it to that new opportunity. As you know, we have no shortage of good opportunities to give our time to here in suburbia.
I know that you are involved in some really good things – even some great things. I also know that you have to work so that your family can eat and keep the electricity bill paid. I KNOW that amidst all the commitments and great opportunities filling your days, you still have time to invest in your marriage. Your marriage deserves your attention.
I still love all of my old High School friends. I wish I was able to see them and spend time with them on a regular basis. The farther I get from those late night, junk food filled conversations, the farther I drift from those friendships. I would still do anything for them but life’s commitments have pulled me in other directions. We have all given our time to other people, other things, and have moved on to other places.
I’ve heard people talk about their marriage in the same way. It isn’t anything that a spouse has done to hurt them, but the more time that passes between the relationship investments the more distant the relationship becomes.
Making time investments in our marriage must be a priority for all of us. Every time my bride and I put in the effort to spend some intentional time together our relationship reaps the rewards. Take some time and plan a date for you and your honey. RIGHT NOW! It doesn’t matter a bit if you are the husband or the wife. Take the time to let your spouse know that he/she is important to you. What are some creative ways that you can put action to this in your home?
Matt Powell serves as teaching pastor at Crossings Community Church, a body of believers whose mission is to engage, equip, and empower homes for gospel transformation in Katy, TX.