No, this isn’t a creative new game to play on your next night out – it’s one of those dates that are necessary from time to time. And one we desperately needed after the past two weeks.

In Europe it is the custom to eat dinner late and linger long at the table talking and enjoying each course as it is served.  Sadly, in America this is literally a foreign concept.  Everything is fast-paced.  Oftentimes one event piggy-backs on the next making our heads spin in a flurry of activity. Our relationship can suffer as a result.

We have electronics to help us keep up with our busy lifestyle;  Calendars that beep reminding us regularly of our to-do list, smart phones that text reminders to us and family members whose phone call requests are only a ring away.  We are connected so much we can easily get tangled in the mess. Add to this the responsibilities that weigh on us of parenthood, church-life, careers and extended family; it’s no wonder we lose sight of what’s most important – each other.

We have a special restaurant we love that is quiet (at least it is on Mondays), serves great food, and allows us to linger at our table all evening.  We have discovered it is the perfect place for us to play catch up. This was our date this week:

We brought our calendars and spent the first part going over any changes making sure we hadn’t missed anything.  Next we talked about life in general – life at work, life at church, life in the news.

Slowly, we came to the best part, what we like to call “the heart of the matter”.

The questions began, “How are YOU doing?” – “How can I help?” – “What are your thoughts?”  The conversation flowed easily as we listened and shared.  Tears welled up and laughter erupted.  Suddenly we realize something wonderful had happened…we had caught up with each other and reconnected.  We were once again walking side by side, united in spirit, ready to continue moving forward in our life together.

Playing catch up is a necessary and very satisfying practice.  It helps us stay grounded in an ever-shifting world.  All couples need a quiet place to reconnect, to catch up – we have found ours.

Where is yours?

_____________________________

Note: Project 52 is a year-long challenge, started by the Simply Modern Moms blog, to date your spouse once a week.  Whether at home our outside the home it doesn’t matter;  the point is purposing to romance each other.  It’s not too late to join the challenge – simply click the button below for all the details!