Ways to Connect in Relationships
Our relationships are precious, valuable treasures from heaven. We should handle them carefully, always looking for ways to build bridges to each other's hearts.
Earlier in the week, I talked about how leaving notes is a wonderful way to keep connections. It's something I do a lot. In fact, if Joel ever travels without me, I put little notes in his socks just to say "I love you." You can also leave notes around the house, in a drawer, under a pillow or on the TV remote as little reminders to the people you love that they are valuable to you.
Another way we stay connected as a family is through recreational activities. It used to be a challenge to try to figure out what we wanted to do as a family. Everyone would have a different idea, and it took forever to decide. Now, we keep a family "idea jar" in the kitchen. Every time someone has an idea for a family activity, they write it down and put it in the jar. Then, when we have time together, we pull an idea out of the jar. It makes it fun and interesting for our children…and Joel and I have a good time, too!
Joel and I also have many ways we keep our connection strong. For example, we reserve every Friday night just for us. We may not go out every Friday night, but we always spend it together and without distractions. We realize how important it is to get out of the same old rut. We have to keep it fresh. Sometimes we like to surprise each other on our date nights. One time, I took Joel out, but I did not tell him where we were going. He kept asking all sorts of questions. "What do I wear? How long will it take to get there?" To his surprise, I took him to a local amusement park. We had the best time! He could not wait to go back.
I encourage you to take time with your family. Eat meals together. Have a date night with your spouse. Do something spontaneous—ride go-carts, have a picnic in the park, or do the things you used to do when you were dating. Keep the connections with your words, with your heart and with your actions because when you make the effort in relationships, you will reap an eternal reward.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3, NIV).
Earlier in the week, I talked about how leaving notes is a wonderful way to keep connections. It's something I do a lot. In fact, if Joel ever travels without me, I put little notes in his socks just to say "I love you." You can also leave notes around the house, in a drawer, under a pillow or on the TV remote as little reminders to the people you love that they are valuable to you.
Another way we stay connected as a family is through recreational activities. It used to be a challenge to try to figure out what we wanted to do as a family. Everyone would have a different idea, and it took forever to decide. Now, we keep a family "idea jar" in the kitchen. Every time someone has an idea for a family activity, they write it down and put it in the jar. Then, when we have time together, we pull an idea out of the jar. It makes it fun and interesting for our children…and Joel and I have a good time, too!
Joel and I also have many ways we keep our connection strong. For example, we reserve every Friday night just for us. We may not go out every Friday night, but we always spend it together and without distractions. We realize how important it is to get out of the same old rut. We have to keep it fresh. Sometimes we like to surprise each other on our date nights. One time, I took Joel out, but I did not tell him where we were going. He kept asking all sorts of questions. "What do I wear? How long will it take to get there?" To his surprise, I took him to a local amusement park. We had the best time! He could not wait to go back.
I encourage you to take time with your family. Eat meals together. Have a date night with your spouse. Do something spontaneous—ride go-carts, have a picnic in the park, or do the things you used to do when you were dating. Keep the connections with your words, with your heart and with your actions because when you make the effort in relationships, you will reap an eternal reward.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3, NIV).