Date 1: Here Comes the Sun

You can’t avoid morning chores and responsibilities, but you can decide to make the most of these everyday moments by seeing them as opportunities to connect with your spouse and start the day right.

Date Night #1 - Here Comes the Sun

Morning without you is a dwindled dawn.

—Emily Dickinson

The alarm buzzes, and the day begins. if you didn't hit the "snooze" button too many times, maybe you'll have an opportunity to say a quick prayer and read a Bible verse. Most couples race through a hectic morning routine - shower, coffee, get the kids ready for school, make lunches.

You can't avoid morning chores and responsibilities, but you can decide to make the most of these everyday moments by seing them as opportunities to connect with your spouse and start the day right. you can experience a genuine, intimate connection even in the midst of a busy morning and set the tone for your upcoming Date Night.

Your Date Night maybe still be 12 hours away, but a Date Night attitude doesn't have to be!

DATE NIGHT
The first rule of Date Night is this: Always act like you're trying to get a second date! Sometimes we forget that we need to pursue and "woo" our spouse. Remember dating before you were married? You dressed up a bit and were polite. you complimented one another. As a married couple, you can still hold hands, cuddle, and steal kisses. Protect your Date Night from conflict by pausing arguments and agree to talk about the issue later.

Step 1: Variety adds spice.

Instead of visiting the same familiar locations and eating the same food, you can choose somewhere new or try a different type of cuisine to stimulate conversation and your sense of adventure.

Step 2: When morning breaks, fix it.

Although Date Nights are not about "administrating" your marriage, it's OK to plan bonding moments and ways to grow closer. Over dinner, discuss ways to bring more connection and intimacy into your morning routine. Every family is different. If you have an early morning work schedule, it might not be realistic for you to expect your spouse to get up with you every day to pray or read the Bible. If Mom has ben up all night with a sick child, it's probably not a good idea for Dad to expect her to wake up and cuddle the next morning.

No matter what your situation, though, there are some simple things you and your spouse can do to be intentional about connecting in the morning and before everyone goes their separate ways. Here are some examples:

• Cuddling and affirming your love for one another before getting out of bed.
• Preparing breakfast together
• Getting the kids ready together
• Reading a passage of Scripture or praying over the day together
• Complimenting and affirming one another as you prepare for the day
• Kissing "like you mean it" before heading out the door

Step 3: Go Play!

Ready for more fun? Consider one of these activities, or plan your own:

• Go to an old-fashioned drive-in movie
• Visit a comedy or improv club
• Go dancing or take dance lessons
• Hike or take a romantic walk
• Visit a local amusement park or arcade
• Attend a concert or theatrical performance
• Play "tourist" in your own city and visit some local attractions

Step 4: Relax and unwind

Before going home, you might look for a quiet place for dessert or coffee. Discussing the following questions should generate positive, uplifting and encouraging responses.

• What was your favorite part of the evening?
• What did you learn about me tonight that you didn’t know before?
• What are some other ways i can make you feel loved and affirmed during our busy morning routine?

Step 5: The drive home can be meaningful, too.

As you drive home, talk about ideas for your next date. Also, think about additional ways you can maximize everyday moments in the days ahead.

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