I LOVE Mondays. Mondays are my husband’s “day off” for the most part. After a very busy weekend with making final preparations on Saturday and then a full day on Sunday, we try to plan something fun to do together on Monday. Monday to us is like most peoples’ Saturday.
This past Monday we loaded up our bikes and went to a bike path in Kingsport so we could enjoy the beautiful day and some time together. It was such a blessing. On our excursion, I made two simple observations. The first came after we’d had quite a vigorous ride. We sat on one of the benches on the path and talked, cuddled together and just enjoyed some alone time. It knit our hearts together. It enabled us to connect with what’s going on in each of our lives. It gave us time to talk without interruption. Observation #1 Every couple needs times like this; has to have times like this. For you, it might be fishing together, taking a walk, or going out for an ice cream cone after supper. Do whatever you enjoy, just make sure that you do it, and that you do it regularly. Without time together, Satan can put a wedge between you and your husband. It will happen slowly and creep up on you in such a way that you’ll wonder how it happened. You must carve out time for one another.
As we were riding along we passed many walkers and other bikers. We exchanged “hello’s” with most who passed by, but there was one man who came towards us who was jogging and looking extremely fatigued. Seeing his efforts and his exhaustion, my husband, the ever-ready encourager, said to this stranger, “Keep at it Buddy. It’s worth the effort!” The man smiled and continued his jogging journey encouraged by my husband’s words, I’m sure.
Observation #2 – It only takes a moment to encourage other people, and we make a choice as to whether we will just pass by them on our paths and say nothing, or whether we’ll take the time to do or say something that will encourage them on their journey. My God chooses to encourage me every time I open His Word; can I not pass along the same kind of love and care to others?
Our Monday time together was valuable because it reminded me of those two truths –
1. I need time to be with my husband doing things so that our marriage will be strengthened on a regular basis.
2. Encouragement takes only a moment and it is my choice.
We had a wonderful afternoon together as we rode along enjoying God’s beautiful world, spending with each other as well as those that He placed along our path. Have you spent time just recently with your mate? If not, why not schedule something today? If you have, what did you do? Has God given you someone to encourage? How did you do that, or how have you been encouraged by others?
From the bike path,
RefreshHer 