This month your challenge is to spend some time with another couple for the purpose of mutual encouragement in your marriages. Yes, it really is just about that simple.
After a couple of months you may have begun to think that the Marriage Initiative would be all self-evaluation projects and homework. Not true. It is important that we grow more comfortable talking about the weightier matters of our relationships. But problem-solving and change are never the end game. We do those things primarily so that we can more thoroughly enter into and enjoy the actual substance of the life God intends for us. His plan is that you would intimately share life together in unity. And this is predominately experienced within the simple blessings God provides. Sharing: a good meal, each day’s accomplishments and failures, laughter and friendship. When we embrace them in intimate unity, this is where we “act married.”
So your March Challenge is about simply sharing life with some friends and offering one another encouragement. This one is supposed to be a lot of fun folks. Encourage, be encouraged and enjoy!
Blessings! Pastor Bill & Melanie
Who Do We Approach?
This is more about friendship than anything else. Every married couple benefits from having friends who are encouraging to their relationship—others with whom, their marriage is an open topic of discussion. So it’s really up to you but here are a few ideas about who to seek out:
- Another couple in your Grow Group
- A couple who are already good friends
- A couple you have admired for what you see in their relationship
- A younger couple you would like to invest in
- And if you don’t have an idea, we have some couples who have volunteered to spend some time with others. Pick up a contact list at the Welcome Center.
Where Do We Go?
Once again, it’s up to you. This is supposed to be fun so you’ll know best. Ideas include:
- Go out to lunch or dinner
- It doesn’t have to be elaborate, how about just for coffee?
- Stay at home to share a meal (especially if you need to share, or eliminate the need for childcare expenses)
- Head out for a fun event - but one that allows for some conversation (movies and concerts are fine but only if you go somewhere to talk afterward)
- Shared interests make for a good plan: hiking, home & garden shows, bowling, art exhibits, etc.
- Attend church together then go out for dessert
What Do We Talk About?
Spend a portion of your time together discussing marriage. One approach would be to give each person an opportunity to ask one of these questions or one of their own:
- How did you meet / get engaged?
- What’s the best thing you have ever done to strengthen your relationship?
- What do you do when you realize you are feeling distant from each other?
- What do you do when you have a conflict you can’t seem to resolve?
- How is your faith integrated into the way you communicate? make decisions? set priorities?
- What makes for a romantic date for you?
- Are there one or two prayer requests for your marriage you would share with us?
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