Romanceنموونە

Staying Connected

There are so many ways that technology keeps me connected. I can literally sit at my desk all day long and connect with people all around the world. With ZOOM, I can be face to face with people and offer counseling to them. I can encourage people and connect with them through every type of social media. I can keep up with and lead our team at Awesome Marriage. Technology today allows me to do things that people only dreamed about in the past and I love what it does.

Then there is this person that sleeps next to me and is there every morning when I wake up and there every evening when I get home. I eat many of my meals with her and run errands with her. Counting the hours we sleep side by side, I spend many more hours with her than anyone else in the world but if I am not careful, I can be more connected to them than to her.

Just because I log a whole lot of hours with Nancy does not mean we are connected.  Sitting side by side, sleeping side by side and eating side by side does not connect us. What connects us is being present with each other during those times. Being present means that my focus is on her. It means when she is talking that I am listening. It means that even in sleep we are connected because we did not go bed with something unsettled between us. It is being very purposeful about our time together. It means that even in silence as we watch a movie or TV show, there is still connection because we choose to do it together. 

Look at it this way. Every stage of marriage brings change but it also brings new opportunities to be connected. The key is to embrace those opportunities and make the most of every single one.

Today’s Challenge: 

1. Dr. Kim talks about the different stages a marriage goes through. Which stage are you in today? How is it different from past stages?

2. What are some of the challenges you face as a couple today?

3. What does “being intentional” about your marriage mean to you?

Going Deeper:

Most couples spend less than five minutes a day really connecting. How much quality time do you spend together as a couple each day? How do you spend your quality time together? What step can you take today to be more connected with each other?