activity / idea
Increase your date-night lifting power. Make them count by creating a goal to complete three “reps” by answering three in-depth questions each date. Ideas:

• What’s one thing I do that makes you feel really respected, loved, or connected to me?
• What’s one of your best memories of us together?
• What kind of activity makes you feel closest to God?
• What do you pray about most often?
• What job(s) could you do that wouldn’t feel like work?
• What do you like—or for what are you most grateful—about the way God has made you?
• What’s one way I could be more of the person you want me to be?

suggested time range
15-30 minutes

goal
Take your dates to the next level of connection.

activity / idea
Struggling not to complain? Make a daily goal of 10: Thank God for 10 things your spouse is doing right.

suggested time range
10 reps daily

goal
Acknowledge your spouse is more than the sum of his or her weaknesses.

activity / idea
Choose to serve together. What’s one activity in which you could give of your time as a team? (Tip: Wives, consider letting your husband choose the activity.) Get creative. If this is your first time, choose something in a mutual area of interest.

suggested time range
varies

goal
Bond spiritually and in quality time as you move your marriage outside of yourselves.

activity / idea
Have your spouse’s back. How can you protect him or her? Ideas:

• From overly needy kids or kids in conflict (“Can you solve this problem on your own, buddy?”).
• From letting his or her work wins/losses dictate his or her identity. Remind your mate that they’re more than what they do.
• From an overreaching schedule. (“I would love you to have more white space on this calendar. Is there one thing you could say no to?”)

suggested time range
5-10 minutes, repeated periodically

goal
Run some interference for your weary ally.

As you cool down, it’s time to reflect.

Read Colossians 3:12-14:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Pray together, remember to stretch yourself this week for the sake of your spouse, and stay flexible with your growth:

Lord, help us both to truly enjoy each other. Make gratitude a habit in our marriage.