PLAN. DATE. REPEAT.
The Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Marriage
What if I told you that one simple commitment could transform your marriage? It’s not a five-star vacation, a grand romantic gesture, or even an expensive gift. It’s something so simple yet so powerful: a weekly date night.
Some of you might be rolling your eyes, thinking, That sounds nice, but it’s just not realistic for us. Maybe you have kids, busy schedules, or financial constraints. But here’s the truth—prioritizing time together is always worth it.
No Excuses, Just Commitment
Every couple is different, and date night won’t look the same for everyone. Some friends of ours have a child with special needs, so their date nights happen at home while their child sleeps. For others, it’s a weekly outing—dinner, a walk, or even a simple coffee run.
For us, life is anything but simple. With five kids and a season where we had four children on different sports teams at the same time, making time for a date seemed impossible. But we made a non-negotiable commitment—we would go on a date every single week. If that meant missing a game or skipping an event, so be it.
Break the ‘What Do You Wanna Do?’ Rut
Ever found yourself stuck in this conversation?
“Hey, what do you want to do?”
“I don’t know… what do you want to do?”
Yeah, us too. And let’s be honest—it’s a recipe for a boring night. The solution? Plan ahead.
Instead of scrambling last minute, schedule your date at the beginning of the week. If you’re part of Grace Marriage, there’s even a tool to help you sit down together and plan. Knowing what we’re doing ahead of time allows us to look forward to it, which makes it even more enjoyable!
Your Marriage Deserves Honor
Hebrews 13:4 reminds us, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all.” But honor doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. The best way to protect your relationship from drifting apart is by consistently stepping away from life’s demands and spending quality time together.
Your Challenge: Commit to Weekly Dates
If you’re serious about keeping your marriage strong, start today. Sit down with your spouse and commit to a weekly date—no excuses, no cancellations. Whether it’s at home or out on the town, the key is time together.
So, are you in? Drop a comment below with your next date night plan! Let’s encourage each other to make our marriages a priority. ❤️ #PlanDateRepeat
A Word to Pastors and Church Leaders
As a pastor or church leader, you carry the weight of shepherding your congregation, but one of the greatest ministries you have is your own marriage. A healthy, God-honoring relationship with your spouse sets a powerful example for those you lead.
Here are a few ways to prioritize your marriage and encourage couples in your church to do the same:
1. Model a Strong Marriage
Your congregation looks to you for guidance—not just in theology, but in life. Make it known that you and your spouse prioritize regular date nights and share how it strengthens your relationship. Transparency in your marriage encourages others to do the same.
2. Encourage Congregants to Invest in Their Marriages
Consider implementing a marriage ministry or small groups focused on strengthening relationships. Share resources like Grace Marriage, Love and Respect, or The Five Love Languages to help couples grow.
3. Create a Culture That Honors Marriage
Preach on the importance of marriage and family regularly. Offer practical ways for couples to nurture their relationships and provide opportunities for mentorship between seasoned and younger couples.
4. Make Time for Your Own Marriage
Between counseling sessions, sermons, and ministry demands, it’s easy for your marriage to take a backseat. Prioritize weekly time together and set boundaries to ensure your relationship remains strong.
5. Pray for Marriages in Your Church
Marriage is under attack in today’s world, and your congregation needs spiritual protection. Commit to praying regularly for the marriages in your church and offer opportunities for couples to receive prayer and support.
Remember, a thriving marriage is not just a personal blessing—it’s a testimony to the goodness of God. Lead by example, and let’s build a church culture that honors and strengthens marriages!
