What is the one thing my wife and I do for our marriage every week? It’s something we calendar; it’s something we plan for in advance, and it’s something we make a high priority in our marriage. While I wish the answer were weekly date night, the real answer is just as important and costs less money. Every week we sit down together for a weekly meeting. Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m., my wife and I sit down with our calendars open and make sure we’re prepared for the week ahead. While a date night is important (and we do make it a priority), our weekly meeting is essential.
Here are six reasons why we have a weekly meeting and why I think you should add it to your Sunday night as well.
Schedule.
The weekly meeting gives us a chance to look at everything we have going on in the week ahead: sports practices for the kids, work commitments, meetings, Bible Study, life group, and more. Even though our schedule is ever-changing, looking at the calendar a week at a time helps us feel like we are playing on the same team. Instead of just handing off kids and moving on to the next activity, we feel united. It also helps us know how to pray for one another and for our family specifically during the week.
Finances.
Talking dollars and cents may not be exciting, but routinely checking the budget and what extras might be necessary for the upcoming week ultimately relieves money-related stress. Purposely looking at our spending helps us know when money is tighter, when we can afford extras, and when to up our giving.
Short Accounts.
The weekly meeting gives us the opportunity to make sure there is no unresolved conflict. Ephesians 4:26 says, “do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This does not mean you need to resolve all of your conflicts before you go to bed, but it does mean you affirm the priority of the relationship and commit to resolving any conflicts as soon as possible.
Connection.
Incorporate creative questions designed to help you connect. Couples with strong bonds remain curious
about each other’s spiritual development, thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears—all topics often overlooked in the busyness of life.
Husbands as Leaders.
Establishing this intentional time together provides an easy opportunity for husbands to lead. Helping bear the load of day-to-day activities will encourage and help your spouse. Live with her in an understanding way (1 Peter 3:7) and lead in your relationship in a way that tells her you love and value her.
Prayer.
Praying together as a couple is important, but you may not know how or when to do this. If this sounds familiar, then how about adding a short prayer time to your weekly meeting? It doesn’t need to be complicated, but if you’ve never prayed before with your spouse, just take his/her hands during this meeting, and pray for your week ahead. Don’t make it any more complicated than it needs to be.
I’ve heard it said often that we calendar (schedule) those things that are important to us. For all of the reasons above, I believe you should consider scheduling a weekly meeting. This is not the only thing we do on a weekly or consistent basis, but the fruit that comes out of this meeting is worth a little pre-planning and effort every week.
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