What role does the marriage play in the Christian family? If you read my previous book review, “Home-Making” you will know that the author of it feels that marriage is the backbone of the family. I agree. When two people come together, vow to love one another, support one another, and remain together until death, a family is formed. Children are a blessed addition to the already established family.
Once children do come along, it’s easy to neglect this special relationship between the husband and wife. We hear about “Empty nest syndrome” all the time. Suddenly the children are grown up and out of the house and the husband and wife have to learn how to relate to each other all over again. I’m sure some of that is natural, but in the course of raising children, a husband and wife should never lose their connection to one another. This relationship is sacred.
So, how can we as Christian husbands and wives stay connected in the midst of soccer practice, homework, 2:00 a.m. feedings and all the rest of life? We need to make time to talk to each other. Wake up thirty minutes earlier than usual and have a cup of coffee together or stay up thirty minutes late. I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and I always loved when Ma and Pa sat in bed eating popcorn and talking. Call your spouse while you are on your lunch break. My husband and I email each other a few times a day. It is important that couples talk. They need to be a united front.
This is a tough one for parents with little kids, but take time to enjoy each other. When’s the last time you went out on a date without the kids? I have enjoyed reading Heather Long’s date night suggestions. She even has a blog with some really fun ideas for at home dates. If you can’t find a sitter, put the kids to bed early one night and have yourself a date out on the front porch. Instead of popping in a video, try reading to each other. This is something my husband and I enjoy doing when we have time.
As the backbone of the family, husbands and wives need to be united and they need to have a vision. Them, being together, communicating, and enjoying each other’s company strengthens their love for one another. This in turn strengthens and blesses the whole family.