Putting your marriage first

My husband and I went out do dinner alone for the first time in way too long. We’ve never been consistent about date nights or taking time just for the two of us since our daughter was born three years ago.

And what I discovered on our night out was that I still really love and enjoy my husband’s company. Maybe even more importantly, I enjoy myself when I am alone with him. I was easier to laugh, less easily offended and less on-edge in general than I am when I’m in mommy mode. Perhaps it’s because I wasn’t worrying about cutting meat into bite-size pieces or wiping milk off the floor.

Our night out made me remember once again that my husband should be my first and most important priority in life, even above my children. That’s a hard thing for a mom to admit because my daily life is all about nurturing my children. I often forget that my marriage needs nurturing, too.

I really believe that my role as a wife is actually just as important as that of mother because I’m in this marriage for eternity and have made promises to make it work.

But it’s hard to make a marriage a priority on a daily basis when I have a toddler demanding my attention and a new baby on the way. Time is short. Baby sitters are expensive. And even when my husband and I do get a quiet moment alone after bedtime, we often end up doing our work on our respective computers. I know that’s lame, but it’s life, and it doesn’t leave a lot of time for meaningful conversation or intimacy.

Is strengthening your marriage a priority in your home? How do you nurture your marriage while also raising your children? What are some practical ways to squeeze in alone time with your spouse?