Intentional Love · Day 14 of 21
Protecting Time to Be Together
Scripture reading
“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
Song of Solomon 2:10, KJV
Teaching lesson
They had finally found an evening to spend together. Then a non-urgent request arrived, followed by a message that seemed easier to answer immediately. Before long, the evening they had set aside was almost gone.
Making room for time together is one step. Helping that time remain available requires attention too.
In the Song of Solomon, the beloved's invitation is personal and affectionate. Within the poetry of their love, he calls her to come away with him. The passage gives us a picture of delight in another person's company.
Marriage needs opportunities for that enjoyment, alongside the necessary conversations about responsibilities and concerns.
You may already have agreed on some time together. Consider what would help you receive it as a gift rather than allowing it to become another crowded appointment.
Choose something you both welcome. A quiet meal at home, a walk or sitting outside may suit this season better than an elaborate outing. The activity should leave room for companionship without creating unnecessary pressure.
Discuss likely interruptions beforehand. Decide which messages can wait and what responsibilities need to be arranged. If you care for children or someone who depends on you, plan around their needs as realistically as you can.
An urgent need may still change the plan. Respond with flexibility and agree on another opportunity. Rescheduling together helps prevent one interruption from becoming weeks without connection.
During your time, allow some room to enjoy each other. Ask about a memory, share something that made you smile or notice something you appreciate. You do not have to solve every concern for the time to be worthwhile.
As this second week closes, reflect on what has helped you feel closer. Which action would you like to carry forward?
Ask God to help you protect a simple opportunity for companionship. Let your invitation communicate warmth: 'I enjoy being with you, and I would like us to have this time together.'
Put it into practice
Together
Your challenge
Agree on a simple time together within the next few days. Choose something you both enjoy, arrange necessary responsibilities and decide which avoidable interruptions can wait. Put the plan where you will both remember it.
On your own
To reflect on
- What tends to interrupt our agreed time together, and what can I reasonably do to protect it?
Prayer focus
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the companionship we can share in marriage. Help us make room to enjoy each other and protect the time we agree on. Give us flexibility when plans change and willingness to keep choosing connection. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
With love and prayer,Sharlene
Vividly in Love offers encouragement and practical tools, not counselling. If your marriage is in a season that needs professional support, Sharlene’s counselling practice, Vivid Resolutions, works with adults and couples across the Caribbean.
This is not a crisis service. Emergency contacts vary across the Caribbean. If there is immediate danger, contact your local police or ambulance service. In Trinidad and Tobago: Police 999, Ambulance 811, or 800-COPE (2673) for a mental-health crisis.