My life is a juggling act.
My husband and I both work full time. Me, during the days. Him, during the nights. We have two young children, one in elementary school and one in preschool. As far as the kids go, this schedule actually isn’t as bad as it sounds because there is always one of us who is home with the kids. We have been lucky and have only had to utilize daycare/babysitters about two days a week. And if you have had to find a daycare, preschool or babysitter then you know that finding the right one can be a challenge – both emotionally and financially.
But as far as spending important time together cultivating our marriage – our schedules are a problem. I would love to say that we stuck to our resolution about having a weekly date night. Sadly, that has never happened.
We have, though, found some ways that help us stay connected.
Here Are 5 Simple Ideas For Scheduling A Date For The Working Couple
We talk regularly.
Everyday at 6:30 am I have just finished getting dressed for work and the kids are still asleep. I call my husband. One day out of the blue, he mentioned to me how much he appreciated that I never forget to make that 6:30 am call to him, just to check on him. Little things like these are important and make a difference.
I make the best of our limited conversations.
A lot of the time, I just listen. It’s easy to get caught up in what is going on in my life, my desk at work or my office dynamic. Remember, listening is serving. One of my favorite scriptures is James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Sometimes our husbands just need our ear and reassuring word or two.
We do lunch.
We aren’t able to do dinner dates – our schedules don’t allow it. But now that our kids are in school we are able to squeeze in a lunch date every other week or so. Some of you have little ones and can’t find a babysitter to help for even an hour. Friend, I have been there! My only advice is this: hold on a little while longer! We were in the same boat for five long years…but good times are ahead!
We pray together.
This can be uncomfortable at first. It certainly was for me. I began to pray for my husband during a dark time in my marriage and I believe that it was the catalyst in turning our marriage around. To touch is to be intimate and there is nothing more intimate than laying a hand on your husband’s shoulder and speaking life and goodness into his heart. Nor is there anything more intimate than sitting face to face and hand in hand and declaring God’s word of encouragement. Awkward? It can be. But give it a few tries – practice makes perfect.
Worshiping with my husband – my favorite thing! My husband plays drums on the worship team and my heart is never as full as it is when I see him serving God through his given gift as a musician. When worship time is over, I enjoy the closeness of sitting nestled under his shoulder during church.
Our ‘dates’ really aren’t dates at all. But we’ve learned to make the best with the time we do have together and create moments that mature us as individuals and as a couple. I know many of your are in that season of little ones wrapped around your ankles and it’s hard to find a babysitter who can help out. Be patient and get creative. Most importantly – have fun! God created our marriages to be wonderful, fulfilling and exciting. It is meant to be enjoyed!