Do you ever sit back and take inventory? I do. All the time. Probably too often. Matt and I are coming up on our 8th anniversary (which means we made it successfully through the 7 year itch - YEAH!) We sat on the couch a couple of nights ago talking and taking inventory. I love those kind of conversations and Matt's learning that they are very helpful!
When looking ahead to the rest of this year we want to intentionally spend more time alone together, more time alone as a family (without friends), and more time alone doing our individual hobbies. I saw an episode of Oprah a while back. (Note: I'm not a regular viewer but sometimes I'm flipping and watch a show or part of one!) It was on married couples keeping tabs on each other and exchanging "time" for what they want to do. I don't like that. I want to bless Matt and encourage him to have fun in other ways (kayaking, fishing, going out with the boys etc.) and I want him to do the same for me (letting me go shopping alone and hang out with the girls). I don't want to "owe" him. I want to do it because I love him and want us to have well rounded lives. AND I truly believe that giving each other time away means we love being with the family when we're together. Do you know what I mean?
He could look at me and say "You get to do what ever you want you're home all day!" and I could look at him and say "You're out all day having fun you need to be at home!" But, I'd rather we ask each other how we can bless the other...so if we do go out, there's no guilt! I don't know if anyone else struggles with this but, I think it's a normal family life thing.
I want to be more in love with Matt this time next year then I am right now. I believe the way that's going to happen is to: spend "hobby time" apart and intentional time together. What do you think? Got any ideas on the subject? Remember I'm not a marriage counselor just a wife and mom blogging about my thoughts!
www.noemiphotography.com