It’s tough sometimes, isn’t it?! Kids, schoolwork, housekeeping tasks, jobs… Trying to balance our to-do’s can feel stressful at times so we just do the best we can at juggling everything. But, too often our marriages end up being the main thing that is unintentionally neglected.
So here are 5 ways we can all connect with our spouses during busy seasons:
1) Communicate.
Regularly taking a few minutes to have real conversations with our spouses is a great way to stay connected. And it’s okay if some of those conversations happen over the phone – the important thing is to stay in-tune to each other!
2) Speak kindly and offer grace liberally.
Sometimes busyness = stress. So when we’re extra busy we need to be very intentional about offering plenty of grace to our spouses and ourselves. We should keep in mind that our words and attitudes are reflective of what’s in our hearts. So, if we’re struggling with using unkind words or not wanting to offer grace, then we need to carefully examine our hearts.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 2:45-46 (NKJV)
3) Take time for just the two of you.
My husband and I used to only go on two dates a year – our anniversary and Valentine’s Day. We’ve since decided that no matter how busy we are, regular dating must be a top priority in our marriage! After all, before we were married we nurtured our relationship by fitting in dates several nights a week even if we were really busy.
While dating can look different for each couple, my husband and I personally make it a priority to go on one date each month, plus we take an inexpensive weekend trip around our anniversary every year. Prioritizing that time and financial expense for each other isn’t always easy but it’s always proven to be worth our efforts!
For a fun list of frugal date night ideas, check out this post.
4) Make physical contact.
Kiss before one of you leaves the house. Hug when you arrive back home. Hold hands often. Rub his back. Snuggle (and more) in bed. Physical affection can relieve stress and tension as well as stir up romantic feelings towards each other, so be sensitive to each other’s physical needs.
“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NKJV)
5) Reevaluate your schedule.
So often we see our to-do lists as things we must do, but when we really step back and re-evaluate with a fresh perspective, we may find a few things that we can drop from our schedules. Honestly ask yourself if there’s anything you could let go of so you can make more time to nurture your marriage.
What would you add to this list – how do you recommend connecting during busy seasons?