Are You In a Media-Driven Marriage?

　　By Jennifer Waddle

　　I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. (Psalm 101:3-4)

　　Every time my husband and I finish a television series, we immediately look for another one to take its place. And when we can’t find one, we sometimes look at each other as if to say, what now?Sadly, we’ve allowed much of our time together to be driven by media, focused on mindless activity that doesn’t foster closeness or communication. Perhaps you and your spouse can relate.

　　I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to start a new trend—a trend that encourages couples to turn off the media and simply be together. I imagine it would seem awkward at first, as the habit to pick up our phones or flip through the television channels would be difficult to break. But I also imagine, over time, couples would reconnect in ways they’d never before experienced.

　　In my small attempt to turn the tide of media-driven marriages, (including my own), here are a few actionable ideas to consider:

　　1. Open the game cabinet.

　　If your family is like mine, you have shelves full of board games that are basically collecting dust. I suggest we open our game cabinets and revisit some of the favorite games we used to play together. Who knows, this could become a new habit that fosters a sense of fun and reconnection.

　　2. Remove the T.V. from the bedroom.

　　It used to be, couples resisted having televisions in their bedrooms. It seemed they understood the negative impact it could have on quality time together. Although it might be difficult to imagine, having a bedroom without media can be relaxing and fun. Consider making your bedroom a television-free zone, and create a new routine of relaxation without media.

　　3. Exercise together.

　　While it’s much easier, in the summer, to go on long walks after dinner, couples can still exercise together no matter what the time of year. Turn on the music and dance in the living room. Pull out the yoga mats and try some new poses. Grab some hand weights and do a few sets together. This might become a new habit that is healthy for both your body and your marriage!

　　4. Find a devotional.

　　Couples sometimes struggle to study the Bible together because one or the other doesn’t know how to lead. And that’s OK! There are so many wonderful Bible study guides for couples to choose from. The thing is, your devotional time can be short and sweet. It doesn’t have to be drawn out or complicated. Setting aside uninterrupted time to have nightly devotions can make a real difference in the closeness of your marriage.

　　Will you consider joining me in this new media-free marriage trend? Choose one or more of the options above, and encourage other couples to do the same. Perhaps, our new media-free time spent together will really catch on, and be a great example for future generations!

　　Jennifer Waddle considers herself a Kansas girl, married to a Colorado hunk, with a heart to encourage women everywhere. She is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer,and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.

　　Related Resource: 4 Truths About Marriage Every Couple Needs to RememberNo matter how long you’ve been married, reminding yourself of fundamental marriage truths is helpful. In this episode of the Team Us Podcast, Ted and Ashleigh share four truths about marriage every couple needs to remember. If you like what you hear, head over toApple or Spotify and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!