Today, we continue to look at principles found in the 10 commandments which we can apply to guarding intimacy with our spouse. Not legalistic, binding laws, but principles that can guide us in our decisions.
Catch up: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7 and part 8.
You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15
For the modern couple: Don’t do things which will take away from what belongs in a marriage.
What do we do or not do that steals opportunities for intimacy? There are many things we could choose from, but two important items are:
Clutter. Whether it is a cluttered schedule or a cluttered home or cluttered input(noise level, etc,), clutter overstimulates the nerves and can crash a moment of intimacy in no time. Like a glass that is already full of water, it is hard to add any more.
Beat the clutter. Simplify your activities. What can you say no to? Can you take a day and declutter your home? Is it possible to be intentional about having some quiet time scheduled into your day? A walk, a nap or a period of reading might do the trick.
Tiredness. As a parent, there is a certain amount that goes with the territory. But are we doing the best we can to help? When we feel lousy, its hard to even think about intimacy. Whether the physical portion or emotional.
Beat the tired blues. Examine your diet. Replace unhealthy foods with more nutritious choices. Skip the 9:00 show and going to bed early. Be sure and include plenty of activity in your life. This doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym. A walk around the block, chasing your kids at the park or parking your car at the back of the lot and climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator are all ways to add movement into your day.
Are you taking care of yourself so you are prepared for intimacy opportunities?
photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net // David Castillo Dominici
