Sunday, July 1, 2018

It is Time to Start Dating Again




Have you ever been on a porch date? 

My husband and I long for date nights.  We venture to local restaurants, parks or unique places to spend quality time together.  This time is vital to our marriage.  Time alone away from stress in this world allows opportunity to grow closer in love.

We remain diligent in scheduling dates each month.  While finances strain in response to kids involvements increasing in cost, we spend lots of dates at home.  We kick the kids out to my in-laws and spend the evening at home ALONE!  After a long week of working and running here and there, I will take a date night (in) where I can sip my wine in my pajamas!

The older the kids get; the crazier life becomes.  This leaves little room in the schedule to date.  Again, dating is vital to marriage; therefore, something must be done.  I discovered porch sitting shortly after surgery.  Two beautiful, inviting chairs positioned perfectly on our front porch desire to be used.  I would sit and read while the kids played out front.  I enjoyed watching the birds, waving at the neighbors driving by and soaking in the sun.  One day, my husband joined in on the fun.  With a glass of our favorite beverages, we sat together for well over an hour. 

Thus, began porch dating.  I long for the moment my husband asks me on a porch date!  We grab our beverage, head to the front porch and solve all the world’s problems.  He listens while I share the day’s woes.  His demeanor displays a desire to be right where he sits.  He shares his day with me as we both enjoy the fresh air.  We offer a priceless gift to one another at each porch date. . .attention.  We focus on one another, leaving all the stress of the world on the front porch once we head back in the house.   

Each date binds our love a little stronger.  The time shared together keeps us encouraged to face the world.  We are a great team in this whole adulting thing. 

Though my husband helps me solve problems, loves unconditionally and adores me; I must have another kind of date DAILY.  A date at the Cross.  Such a date is vital to my faith.  It strengthens, guides, protects and fills a void only Jesus can fill.

Have you ever attended a date at the Cross?

As children of God, we long for meeting Him at the Cross.  This time is vital to strengthen our relationship with our Creator.  We leave the itinerary behind and approach the Cross.  The busier life becomes, the harder it seems to escape for time alone with God.  The increase in technology creates a barrier to intimate time with God. 

The awesome feature of attending a Cross date. . .it can occur anytime, anywhere!  Jesus waits eagerly at the Cross while watching the ways of this world.  He enjoys seeing all of creation, motioning for God’s children to come to the Cross.  He longs for the moment we ask Him for a date at the Cross!  He will listen as we share the woes of this world.  He will display a desire to be exactly where He sits.  He offers a priceless gift at the Cross. . .redemption.  No matter where we have been or what we have done, He waits with open arms at the Cross.

He loves you, desires a relationship with you and takes the burdens off your shoulders.  He wants to fill you with peace, encourage you to face this world and walk alongside you each day. 

Will you join Jesus for a date at the Cross today?  Then, go and sit on your front porch with your favorite beverage and take in the beauty of this world.  Ask a good friend or spouse to join you!  It will be rejuvenating!   

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28   
  
Live life. . .One Day at a time! 
Sheree Craig

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