No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Sharing A Hobby
What places have you visited as a couple, where both of you wanted to later re-visit? Any “activities” come to mind that both of you could enjoy devoting some time working on together once a month (or more frequently)? Are you willing to explore any possibilities of “shared” experiences with the love of your life?
What
If you are open to the idea of sharing a hobby with your other half, let us consider the “what”. For starters, maybe something “passive” like “reading” together. Maybe even “listening” to music or sports or teaching. The goal is to identify something relatively easy to commit to doing together, on a regular basis preferably.
The next level of consideration would probably be where you both participate in “making” something together, like lunch or dinner. This does not have to become your new “daily” routine, just try it once a week or once a month. Perhaps later on, maybe the two of you can get more adventurous with “hand” making of items, like “arts and crafts”.
As the two of you get to “know” your shared interests, creating a life-style of “doing things together” becomes more invigorating. Integrating things like grilling, barbecue, gardening, and other things should be welcomed. Becoming even more adventurous together, you may even decide to volunteer in an organization where both of your skill sets would be complementing.
Where
Do you enjoy being “inside” or “outside” or both? Depending on the weather and your other commitments, you could both identify something to do “on the porch” or “in the backyard” together. Maybe certain days you would rather stay inside to enjoy the “climate-controlled” environment with the love of your life nearby.
Whether you enjoy your hobby or interest more inside or outside, maybe even consider various locations for sharing your experience. Perhaps starting at home, then later consider at a nearby park. Even a “club” where members contribute to a larger project, like building a “model railroad”.
If you are willing to be more flexible later, consider sharing your “couple” hobby or interest with other “friends”. Perhaps you can even strengthen relationships with other Christian couples within your church or community. Even just once every few months or so could potentially strengthen existing or build new friendships. Remember, this in no way replaces your “alone” time with your spouse each week.
How
First, commit some time each week, if possible. Once a month is better than not at all. Make sure your shared “hobby” time is on both of your calendars. This is one of those exciting events for strengthening your relationship, so you do not want to miss out. Having a “note” on the refrigerator may be a great place where both of you visit regularly.
Next, reorganize “one area” inside of the home, and one area outside if possible. This will better support your “combined” interests, now being “officially” shared together. Integrate areas like a “loveseat” or “table” with two chairs for inside time. Perhaps a shared “swing” or “garden” area, where both of you enjoy connecting outside.
Lastly, celebrate your decision to “share” a hobby or interest. So, how about both of you having some “lunch” or a “snack” together right now. This can be your shared “reward”, sitting together with the love of your life. Marriage was designed to be enjoyed. So, why not invest some quality time in planning your “shared hobby” or “shared interest” today.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)