Spending time together
What does spending time together really mean to you ? There is spending time in the same space and then there is spending quality time. Scripture says that ‘there is a time for everything’ Ecclesiastes 3:1. Do we use our time well ? Sometimes we do, but however we use it, take time to spend some of it with your spouse. After God, your husband or wife should be the next important person you want to be with ?
Yes it’s great to spend time together as a family but the primary relationship in a family is that between mum and dad. It’s good for the children to know that their parents are happily in love. They need to see you enjoying your marriage. You are actually helping your children to learn what it means to be married.
Spending time with friends as a couple or even going out with your female friends and your husband with his mates, is a good thing - in fact it brings a rich contribution into our lives both individually and together. However, the priority should first be given to your own relationship and friendship as husband and wife. A man needs his ‘soul-mate’ who respects him and a women needs her husband’s tender affection, love and secure presence.
I know that when I have been busy with ‘jobs’-my ‘to do’ list and my husband is busy in the same space too, I haven’t felt that I am ‘being’ in the moment but just ‘doing’. It is then that I have to stop and take a moment. But when I am spending time chatting, laughing, exchanging information, ideas and dreams with my husband, then I feel that I am ‘being’ completely. That is quality time well spent and God gives me Peace - His shalom in my heart.
God’s purpose for marriage, by creating a man and a woman, was to provide companionship between two different thinking, looking, feeling and needing people - a relationship that needs to share and learn together. Spending time with each other, in God’s presence, by enjoying each other’s presence is the best way to grow our relationship.
Take time and value it. Review this time and use it as wisely as you can. Ask God together, as husband and wife, to give you His plan at the beginning of the day - even for those days when you will be away from each other - how can you spend a ‘moment’ together ? It will be so special and you will be glad you did. Enjoy your moments when you can spend them together.
