Shawn and I meet so many couples that seem to be pouring their lives into their kids. They are always taking them here or bringing them there to be involved in some activity. And while God wants our kids to use the talents and abilities He has given them, He does not want us to have what we call a "child-centered" marriage. It is a temptation for all of us who have kids.
Please read this devotional from Barbara Rainey that speaks about proper priorities in marriage:
Little Interruptions
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philippians 2:2
As moms, we get to deal with such exciting things as spit up, poopy pull-ups, and frogs and lizards escaping in the house. So how do you balance all of that with the desire to be an attractive, romantic, interesting wife?
One key is to remember that your children are third on your list of priorities. They cannot be more important to you than their father and certainly not more important than your heavenly Father.
A wise woman said to me years ago, “Honey, one child will take all your time, two children will take all your time and so will three. It doesn’t matter how many children you have; they will take all your time.” And she’s right . . . if you let them. It’s up to you whether or not you save at least some of your energy, time and attention for your husband.
When you pay attention to your husband, children begin to see that their needs and desires don’t have to be met immediately. They learn patience when they have to wait for you to finish your tasks, your conversation . . . or your kiss! A healthy marriage creates security in their hearts and minds. Plus they can learn responsibility and greater independence when you and your husband leave them (well supervised, of course) to go on a date or a weekend away. They need an occasional break from you, just like you do from them!
Yes, children are often little interruptions, but keeping your husband a higher priority is the first step in balancing the roles of wife and mother.
Discuss: Perhaps this sounds very freeing for you. Or perhaps it sounds selfish and unkind. Talk about how you feel about putting limits on the time you spend with your children so that you can spend time with each other. Discuss a regular time each week when you can have a date night together.
Pray: Ask God for the wisdom to set aside time for one another to invest in your marriage relationship.
From the book "Moments Together" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
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