Hey gals. I stole the following from an “e”votional my church sent out on Monday. We’re in a series called Suburban Myths and last Sunday Scott Hodge gave an awesome message about the myth that “it’s all about the kids”. Take a read through. If you’d like to hear the entire message, you can go to the website and download a podcast. Enjoy!
Karate.
Ballet.
Soccer.
Little League.
Football practice.
Four trips a day to school.
Library helper.
And the list goes on and on….
Look familiar? For many of us with kids, probably so!
In fact, if you take a little closer look at the list, there are two things you’ll probably notice. For one, it speaks loudly of the myth that so many of us tend to buy into that says, “It’s ALL about the kids!”
And as a result, the other thing you’ll notice about the list is the clear absence of any intentional time carved out to provide mom and dad (formerly known as “husband and wife”) with the time they need to cultivate their relationship!
Isn’t it interesting how it is becoming more and more acceptable in our culture to put the development of our personal and marital lives “on hold” for the sake of our children? To a degree, that’s not a “bad” thing, until…..we discover that we have become better parents than we are marriage partners.
Well the scriptures remind us over and over again that the priority of our lives must be God first, marriage second, and our children third. Which means that married life is primarily about the husband and wife relationship! And doing this well does MORE for our children than ANY AMOUNT of extra curricular activities could ever provide!
That is why it is important to date your spouse. Whether you have been married 6 months or 60 years – date your spouse! Feed the flames of your love, and teach your children this terrific practice by regularly spending time with your spouse over coffee, dinner, or taking walks together WITHOUT the kids.
Focus on each other and remember why you fell in love.
In fact, need some inspiration for a great date night? Read this:
Proverbs 5:18-19 (Message Paraphrase)
Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose-don’t ever quit taking delight in her body. Never take her love for granted!
Whoever said the Bible was a boring book?!? 
The bottom line? Don’t take your spouse for granted. The kids can wait! In fact, they will grow to appreciate and respect how you treat one another. Will they mind at first being told they play a decidedly second fiddle role to your spouse? Maybe! But probably much in the same way they don’t like being told to eat their vegetables or watch who they hang around. But we all know that it’s good for ‘em!
Here’s your assignment for today…
If you’re married, schedule a date with your spouse! Call them on the phone or send them a nice invitation. Even if you have no funds for a nice date… do the best you can. An uninterrupted coffee can be heaven!
By the way – if you’re single, this DOUBLY applies to you, since most singles do eventually marry. Make sure you begin any serious relationship with a high value on the time you share together…and don’t ever stop. You’ll never be sorry!
We are a mom’s group ministry of Ginger Creek Community Church in Aurora, IL. Our mission is to create a support system for women in the profession of motherhood. To educate and challenge them as wife, mother, and home manager while providing a safe place where they are valued and encouraged through a growing relationship with Christ. We hope this blog will extend some of this ministry to you.
