My husband and I committed to monthly date nights a few years ago. It is only possible because they are written on the calendar in January, and our hectic schedule gets planned around them. We don’t do anything super wild or exciting, but we really enjoy this time together, especially the car ride.
We live 30 minutes from “town”, so we make the most of the drive. We stock up on our favorite drinks- I usually pack a piping hot tea that won’t be ready to drink until the ride home, a LaCroix for the ride there as well as a huge water bottle. Adam brews a fresh pot of coffee and brings enough to last the entire evening.
Sometimes we choose the scenic route to town, taking only backroads, and other times we cruise down the freeway. We chit-chat about everything under the sun; sometimes it’s light and we find ourselves laughing the evening away, but other times we pour out the sufferings of our hearts. Occasionally we experience both highs and lows on the same night!
But regardless, we prioritize this special time once a month because we love each other and this monthly check in strengthens our relationship.
You invest your time into those that you love the most.
My experience of enjoying the presence and dialogue of my husband is analogous to my making time for daily prayer with God. I show up every morning for prayer. Sometimes I pour my heart out to him, and other times I giddily share my litany of blessings and joys in my life.
As Peter Kreeft so beautifully writes, “Prayer gives truth to our mind, goodness to our will, and beauty to our heart. The true, the good and the beautiful are the three things we need and love the most, because they are three attributes of God.”
Mr. Kreeft continues to humorously paraphrase James 2:19 by saying, “So you know that there is one God? Oh, good for you! The demons also know that, but tremble with fear.”
I quote this because sometimes we enjoy just “knowing” things about God and practical things about our faith, but we forget that we are being pursued by the World’s Greatest Lover. We forget that He and I are the lead characters in this great romance.
Don’t be like the theologian who, after death, was given the choice between going to Heaven or going to a lecture on Heaven and chose the lecture.
If we have piqued your interest in the importance of prayer the last two weeks, stay tuned! We will be sharing testimonies as well as practical tips on how to engage in Mental Prayer over the next few weeks to really strengthen and deepen your relationship with Our Lord.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Until next time, your sister in Christ,
Leah