Couple's Getaway: Making it a Priority - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional
Couple's Getaway: Making it a Priority
By: Jennifer Waddle
"He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while'—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat." Mark 6:31 (AMP)
During the first couple of decades of marriage, I remember the longing of wanting to get away with my husband but having little time or money to make it happen. With four growing kids and my husband's arduous work schedule, a couple's getaway seemed elusive until we made it a priority.
Times of rest and reconnection are vital for keeping our marriages strong, yet our priorities often get mixed up in the busyness of life. Jesus emphasized the importance of rest in Mark chapter six, saying to His disciples, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while." You see, they had just returned from the mission field, so to speak, and as they shared with Jesus all they had done and taught, His response was one of loving invitation.
Are you longing for the invitation to get away and rest for a while? Why not create the invitation yourself? Even if finances are tight and schedules are even tighter, there are ways to carve out time with your spouse. Here are a few creative ideas:
Staycation—Plan for the kids to stay with family or friends and create your own Airbnb at home. Order takeout, try a new board game, sleep in, and just "be" together.
Trade Your Skills—Do you know someone with a vacation rental? Why not offer your skillset in exchange for a free weekend stay? This might include setting up their website, working on their landscape, or helping with taxes. Think of it as a friendly bartering system that blesses both parties.
Skip the Extras—Skip the extra spending for a few months in order to save for your retreat. This means no eating out, no full-price movies, and no mindless shopping. It will be well worth the sacrifice!
Be creative when planning your getaway. Don't overthink it or make it more difficult than it needs to be. And above all, don't compare! Looking at other couples' vacation photos on social media will only leave you feeling discouraged and defeated. Make your plans without a single thought of what other couples are doing. Remember, time spent with your spouse is what matters most.
Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, once said, "In life, it's not where you go. It's who you travel with." What a great reminder that simply being together—at home, across the ocean, or somewhere in between—is the most important thing.
There's a reason Jesus emphasized rest and time away. He knew the importance of solitude in order to pray and connect with the Father. His example not only helps us spiritually, but it also helps us in other areas, including marriage.
Make your couple's getaway a priority. Find time to heed Jesus' invitation to "come away by yourselves." Once you put it on the calendar as a can't-miss event, you'll have something wonderful to plan for and something even more amazing to enjoy.
Heavenly Father, please help us prioritize our marriage by spending intimate time together without work or responsibilities. Lead us to quiet places where we can rest and reconnect. Help us find joy in each other's company, talking, laughing, and simply being together. Let Your peace go before us as we plan our getaway. Allow everything to fall into place without worry or hindrance. Thank You for the invitation to "Come away and rest a little while." Help us heed Your words, not only in our walk with You, but in our walk with each other. Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with the time and resources to enjoy quiet moments as a couple. Let these getaways strengthen our relationship, deepen our love, and inspire those around us to make their marriages a priority. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
Application: Schedule your getaway (preferably within the next three months). Arrange for babysitting, lodging, and transportation, cutting extra expenses if needed.
Challenge: During your getaway, try to minimize screen time. Take leisurely walks, play cards, and read through a few couple's devotions to keep you centered on what matters most.
We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.
