“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

After nearly 32 years of marriage, you’d think Jeff and I might be bored of each other by now. We’ve been through a lot in our 3+ decades. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and somehow survived each other’s quirks. (Bless his heart, he still doesn’t know the correct way the toilet paper should hang on the roll.)

But recently, something wonderful has happened. Fridays are ours again! Now, before you think this is some romantic revival, let me clarify. We’ve spent decades sharing calendars filled with work, chasing our kids to their events, getting groceries, and various other things on a to-do list. Fridays became just another square on the schedule. But a few years ago, Jeff’s job went to four 10-hour work days, and he got 3-day weekends. As a pastor, I was often able to have Friday as a day off, too, and they became sacred ground, a time just for us.

It’s like getting a bonus date day every week. We don’t need grand plans. Sometimes it’s a run to Menards, a quick lunch and yardwork together, but it’s ours. It’s a chance to remember why we fell in love all those years ago, why we still love each other and will always continue to choose to face life together…snoring, dirty socks on the floor, and all.

Could we do these things on a Saturday? Yes, but there’s something about our Fridays that feels special, different. It’s an extra day, but it is less busy if we want to be at a park or shopping. If we want to go away for the day, we still have Saturday to get our work done. I’m thankful this morning for my return to my Fridays with Jeff. It’s my first one in a long time. I’m not sure what’s ahead today, but I know it will include laughs, music, a prayer or two, fun, and love (hopefully not a trip to Menards, but if that happens, at least he’ll let me pick where we have lunch as a consolation prize.) Love is built in the simple, everyday moments. ❤️

---

🙏 Lord, I just want to take a moment to thank You for the gift of Fridays. After a time of busy schedules and a full calendar, I’m so grateful for this time set apart, time to just be with my husband.

Thank You for the simple joy of being together, even if it means a trip to Menards to look at lumber and nuts and bolts. (And Lord, I’m especially grateful for the patience You’ve given me to listen to power tool debates I still don’t understand!)

Help us to savor these moments, whether we’re strolling down the aisles of a hardware store, sharing a cup of coffee, or just sitting side by side in comfortable silence. Remind us that time together is a blessing, no matter where it’s spent.

Thank You for Fridays, for laughter, for love that lasts, and for all the little moments that make this journey so sweet. Amen.