I remember the day like it was yesterday. Karen had a rough time in the classroom at school, schedules were changed without her knowledge, kids weren’t on their best behavior, and she was exhausted. The only thing keeping her going was the fact she was looking forward to getting out of the house and enjoying a nice restaurant dinner with me for a date we had scheduled.
You can probably see where this is going …
My day was extremely different. I had spent the day getting things done, checking things off my list, and even had a chance to give someone a call who wanted to meet with me. It just so happened that he was free that very night. As I looked at my calendar, I noticed we only had our scheduled date night for the evening, and I thought “it won’t be a big deal to change that.”
If only I knew then what I know now …
Needless to say Karen was devastated when she got the message, “I won’t be home till later in the evening and am excited to be meeting with this other person.”
My actions made her feel like she was playing second fiddle to my work and this other person.
I often teach about the Pyramid of Priorities here at House on the Rock. They should be – God, Spouse, Family then Work. Too often, we are upside down with work being the most important – and the others catching the slack.
By breaking my date with Karen I was telling her she wasn’t as important as other things.
I had my priorities upside down.
My encouragement for couples is to put date nights and times together in INK in their calendars. They should be the most important meetings you have … and only breakable due to dire circumstances.
If you begin to do this, your spouse will not only hear they are important, but will know it because of your actions!
