During this unexpected, certainly unchartered territory, one can feel thrown off balance like a person experiencing sea legs. Times like this can feel scary and frustrating because you don’t know what’s going to happen next, and are uncertain of how to respond. Thankfully, we don’t have to look far to find our Anchor –
“We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself.”
Hebrews 6:19
The Lord is our strong anchor in times of uncertainty.
As husbands and wives try to figure out how to work from home together along with their children, who now need to be “homeschooled,” it can produce untold challenges & opportunities. One of those opportunities is having more focused time together as a family. Instead of having so many things on the family calendar and everyone going in different directions, it’s all been reduced to “stay at home together”.
Although this has broken our normal routines, there is enormous potential to grow closer together during this time. We’ve enjoyed seeing on social media families playing games together, enjoying activities outside and making creative projects together. This is also a great opportunity to have family meals together. What a great way to connect as a family – sitting down at the kitchen table and sharing a meal. Having family meals together helps decrease stress, and mealtime is an opportunity to share one’s highs and lows for the day. It’s a time to process life together.
It’s also important to think about how we as husbands and wives can enjoy our more concentrated time we have together. We’re going to explore ten ways that married couples can enjoy each other, and we believe that these are more important than ever during this crisis. (A note – this list is certainly not exhaustive. You may have other great ideas to add to these below).
Ways to Create Joy During Quarantine
Surprise one another
Think of surprising your spouse with something completely unexpected. Maybe it’s a special project that your spouse has been hinting about for a while (it’s been on the honey-do list for the last couple of years). Or, maybe it’s a special dessert that you make and serve to them on a special plate. For my spouse, it’s carrot cake!
Dream together
When couples are dating, they have fun together simply by discussing their future. Once we get married, we tend to lose the art of dreaming. Dreaming inspires and encourages the heart. Dreaming together as a couple keeps the relationship fueled with new passions and goals.
Praise your spouse to other people
During this time of social distancing, it may be a little more difficult to tell other people how wonderful your spouse is but look for opportunities to express to family members or those you connect with on Zoom or Google Hangouts. How often do you honor your spouse in front of the children? What you are modeling to your children is invaluable.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.“
Romans 12:10
Find tangible ways to serve one another
Look for ways to out serve one another. Maybe it’s serving your spouse breakfast in bed. Or maybe cleaning the house for your spouse while they’re away at the grocery store.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Galatians 5:13
Make a meal together
Search recipes online to find a delectable meal that you both enjoy. Head to the grocery store together to purchase all the ingredients. Why not make it a 3 or 4 course meal complete with appetizer and dessert? Now enjoy spending time in the kitchen creating a your special gourmet meal. Place some candles on the table, sit down and enjoy your delicious creation.
Find a way to serve others in need
We have created a Care banner on the homepage of the River Valley website where you can express ways that you can help others in their time of need. Maybe it’s providing a bag of groceries for your elderly neighbor or praying for a neighbor, friend, co-worker who is experiencing anxiety and fear during this time. Serve together in love.
Do a puzzle or play a game together
On a cold winter day, we break out the Scrabble game. We know some couples that love to play cards together or a competitive game of Monopoly. Whatever type of game interests you, this can be a time to enjoy one another’s company.
Laugh at life
We all know that life sometimes throws us a curve ball. How can you make light of heavy moments? Did you know that laughter relaxes the entire body? It also boosts our immune system. Laughter protects our heart. It improves the blood flow in your body.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
Proverbs 17:22
Do devotions together
One of the most important ways you can enjoy this journey together as husband and wife is to read God’s Word together. Sit down together each morning and take turns reading scripture together. Share how God is speaking to you through what you’ve read and then pray for one another.
We’re praying that this is a deepening and strengthening time in your marriage. Remember, God is our unbreakable anchor holding our souls to himself in these uncertain times.
