My husband, Scott, and I have managed to stay connected intellectually through intentionally sharing our interests. Scott is an autobody repairman. This allows him to listen to music, audiobooks or podcasts while working. Similarly, I often listen to podcasts while washing dishes or cleaning house (with only one earbud in to be on alert for the needs of our five children).
Because of this, we began recommending resources to each other. I’d hear an excellent presentation on home schooling and tell my husband about it. Then he’d check it out for himself. Or he might hear a good sermon and share it with me to bond intellectually.
In our brief moments after the children are asleep, we often discuss what we’ve heard. This activity opens avenues for discussion on topics ranging from politics to child-rearing to missionaries to theology to exercise. We typically don’t have the time to listen together, but by listening at separate times and then coming together to talk, we can get to the heart of the matter quickly. And doing this creates a strong bond between us mentally and intellectually.
