Can we get real for a moment and recognize that if we're not careful, we'll neglect our marriage based on being too career-focused? Nothing is wrong with ambition, but always remember that your marriage is your first ministry.
As we think about this topic, we do acknowledge that sometimes there will be special projects or extra tasks that you'll be more focused on in a season and may require some extra hours. However, if you are recognizing some consistency in the neglect of your marriage due to career pursuit, this one's for you!
Here are some tips to help you to effectively nurture your marriage while still allowing your creativity and ambition to have space to breathe!
1. Schedule Date Days/Nights
The truth is, just like yourself, your spouse is evolving. Because of that, it's important to be deliberate about scheduling time outside of the house to spend together. Whether it's a date over dinner or driving through some mud in some ATVs, allow yourself and your spouse to bond in varied situations to nurture the relationship and allow for more self expression - as a unit.
2. Set Boundaries (Leaving work at work)
We know, we know, you've got some deadlines (all the time) that need to be met, or there are some jobs or bosses out there that say "Your job is a 24/7 job so you need to always be on call."
To that, we say that you need to remember what matters most - even in the midst of a high-paying salary.
If you're earning all that money and have no time or space to enjoy your marriage based on the provisions - what's the point? Then, that ends up deepening when children are added to the mix.
How about no.
3. Take time off for Special Days (Birthdays, Anniversary)
When you're really busy, a balance is even more important because celebration becomes that more meaningful and important. So, you've already got the dates, sync your calendars and take vacations at the same time for anniversary or birthday celebrations - or just because you both feel like it. As a married couple, you don't need an excuse to take time off together. Simply be purposeful about what you're doing.
BONUS TIP: Be deliberate about being HOME with each other
Now, this one is a tad different from the boundary-setting. Truth is, after coming home from work, even though the assignments, laptops, etc might be physically put away, mentally, some of us are still at work and so conversations at home and other actions end up being guided by the occurrences at work. Be more deliberate about disconnecting so that you two can spend genuine time together.
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