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Posted on Oct 18, 2012

The Value of Recreation in Marriage

If you’re busy right now and feel it’s not the time to be thinking about doing something recreational with your spouse, then now is EXACTLY the time you should be thinking about it. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

As a differentiating value, Recreation means activity that refreshes and renews health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation. In a marriage, this is a critically important value to keep the relationship healthy and strong.

Video Post: How important is fun and recreation in marriage?

Stephen and Debbie Buckner work with local churches to help build ongoing comprehensive marriage ministries. I came across one of their videos that talk about recreation in marriage.

In this video, Debbie reminds us that one of the most important things for a healthy marriage is to have fun. She states that she and her husband, Stephen, one time went canoeing the middle of a drought. They also like to watch movies together, and then discuss it in detail.

In other words, they proactively incorporate recreation into their marriage.

Stephen points to the wise words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:9 where he states: “Enjoy life with your wife” (NIV). So…. if you were ever looking for a Bible verse to support having fun with your spouse, this is it!

Stephen goes on to highlight the importance for couples to take time to have fun together. In many marriages, both the husband and wife can get so caught up with fulfilling tasks and obligations that they forget what it’s like to just have fun with each other. Hopefully, it’s one of the reasons why a couple gets married in the first place.

If you enjoyed going on dates before you were married, why not do it again now? Fall in love – again. Stephen says you’ll be amazed at how it will refresh the relationship.

So why not embrace the value of recreation and plan an activity with your spouse that refreshes and renews your relationship. It doesn’t have to be a 2-week vacation. It can be as simple as a date night.

Looking for ideas? Be creative. For starters, here are 13 Fall Date Night Ideas from the Romantic Vineyard. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fun.

I love how Stephen highlights that one of the characteristics of happy couples is that they have fun together all the time. It’s built into the relationship on a consistent basis.

That’s how a husband and wife can become best friends. I know that’s how it worked (and still works) today for my best friend, Lori, and me.

 

Is recreation a regular part of your marriage?

What one activity would best refresh and renew your relationship with your spouse? What’s holding you back from doing it?

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Fun-Recreation” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.