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Marriage Monday: Men and Play

08/04/08 | Homemaking

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

It’s Marriage Monday over at Chrysalis and once again e-Mom given me something to think about. Her motivational topics always light a fire under me and ignite great conversations with my husband. This month, e-Mom has asked us to discuss our husbands’ need for recreational companionship.

Whenever I think of men and recreation, I automatically think of outdoor activities (football, fishing, and such). Generally speaking, I’m not an “outdoorsy” girl. My outdoor exposure is usually limited to a comfy spot under a beach umbrella on the shore or sitting on my front porch enjoy the early evening breeze. (Important note: If the bugs or heat get to be too extreme, my outdoor stint comes to an abrupt end!)

On the other hand, JT is an outdoors, adventurous man. He’s done skydiving, made a home on board an aircraft carrier for months, and climbed mountains. During the nine years we’ve been together, he is S-L-O-W-L-Y bringing me out into the great outdoors through some fun outings!

  • Great Falls, Virginia: Early in our relationship, JT took me to this state park where we explored mountain trails and enjoyed quality time together. As I recall I was too busy admiring waterfalls and trying not to slip off the amazing rock formations to be annoyed by insects.
  • Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania: JT talked me into trekking around Bushkill Falls and I don’t regret it. It was another time I enjoyed exploring the beauty of God’s earth with JT. Even though he picked the steepest trail for us to attempt, we had a fantastic time together and spent a lot of time holding hands.
  • California: This trip was the greatest outdoor fun I’ve ever had with JT! He planned the entire trip and we had an awesome time! After landing in San Diego we spent days traveling up Route 1 and stopping at great places along the way. My favorite part of that trip was our stay in Marina, where we stayed in a bungalow right on the beach. That night we sat on the beach and watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. It was absolutely breathtaking. JT’s favorite part of the trip was watching me do a slow, white knuckled drive up Route 1!

These outings and trips have taught me a few things. First, JT and I have the most fun when he drags me off the beaten path and out into nature. When I step outside my comfort zone and allow him to plan our outings we always have fun. Second, JT and I always engage in quality conversation during these outings because we’re not distracted by the sensory overloads found in typical dates at movies, restaurants, amusement parks, and the like. Third, JT and I need to do a better job of getting out and about. This time together breathes fresh air into our marriage, gives us both something to look forward to, and prevents life from becoming mundane.

Our sixth wedding anniversary is coming up on August 17 and JT is planning a bed and breakfast beach getaway for us. We’re both looking forward to this special time, a chance to enjoy each other’s company uninterrupted in nature.

To read other what other women have to say about men and play, be sure to visit Chrysalis over at her blog.

Photo: Courtesy of brendajo2

© 2008 – 2013, Andrea Thorpe. All rights reserved.

Embracing Him

Comments | 7 comments

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Comments

  1. Miriam Pauline says

    August 4, 2008 at 11:29 am

    Great post! Happy (early) Anniversary. Bless you for sharing.

  2. Lynn says

    August 4, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    Andrea,

    What a beautifly woman and wife you are. I am privileged to know you… This thought really hit me:When I step outside my comfort zone and allow him to plan our outings we always have fun….

    Amen… Ane. Have fun on your next trip. On Saturday we are heading to Santa Cruz for a week on the beach. Can’t wait. Hugs, Lynn

  3. e-Mom says

    August 4, 2008 at 3:49 pm

    This was wonderful! Your husband skydives? Wow!!!

    I love the way our men are able to introduce us to activities we might not try on our own, but then we discover how much we love them too. Have fun on your 6th wedding anniversary! That beach B&B sounds so romantic.

    Thanks for joining us for Marriage Monday today, Andrea. Hugs!

  4. Sheila says

    August 4, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    Great post! I don’t think I’ve read your blog before but I thoroughly enjoyed this visit. I’ll have to come back again soon 🙂

    I agree, getting out of my comfort zone to do what my husband finds recreational takes me on a great adventure with him and I enjoy the time very much!!!
    Thanks again
    Sheila

  5. Tammy says

    August 5, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    I loved reading this…and how great that your husband plans so many things!

    Our whole family took a road trip from here in Oregon down to Disneyland and San Diego…love it down there, and it was so much fun!

    A happy anniversary to you both! Have a great time at the B&B…although it’s been awhile, we’ve loved getaways at B&Bs in the past!

    Blessings,
    ~Tammy

  6. Monica A. says

    August 5, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    Let me know what you think about the B&B. The only time I stayed in one was when Billie planned a great weekend getaway for us in New Hope….and that was toooo long ago 🙂

    Enjoy yourselves!
    -Monica

  7. Julie @ the Surrendered Scribe says

    August 6, 2008 at 8:03 pm

    I’m so glad I found your blog through Marriage Monday, it is beautiful.

    We’ve been to the Poconos, beautiful area. For us, the Adirondacks are our special place. But whereever you are, as long as you are together.

    Lovely post!

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