As the leaves begin to change and the vibrant colors of fall are ushered in, there’s a sense of change in the air. The cooler temperatures, shorter days, and harvest season naturally invite us to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the months ahead. For many couples, this season is an opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty and make time for spiritual reflection together. As Christian marriage counselors, my husband and I believe that as seasons change, especially in the coolness and coziness of fall, it’s a perfect time to reflect and prepare for a season of growth.
Why Spiritual Reflection Matters
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in routines and responsibilities, often leaving little time for spiritual reflection. Yet, pausing and reflecting on your spiritual journey as a couple is crucial if you want a healthy, thriving marriage. Just as the fall season is a time for harvesting the fruits of the year’s labor, it’s also a time to harvest spiritual growth in your relationship.
Spiritual reflection allows you to:
- Reconnect with God: It’s an opportunity to assess where you are in your walk with Christ, both individually and as a couple. Are you regularly seeking His guidance in your marriage? Are there areas where you need to trust Him more?
- Evaluate Your Relationship: Reflecting on your marriage gives you the chance to consider how you’ve grown together over the past year. What challenges have you overcome? What victories has God blessed you with? Where might you need to focus more attention?
- Set Intentional Goals: As you look ahead to the coming months, spiritual reflection can help you set goals that align with God’s will for your marriage. This might include committing to regular prayer together, engaging in a Bible study, or simply being more intentional about showing love and grace to one another. Perhaps it’s time for a greater investment of an intensive marriage retreat like our weekend Marriage Reboot, designed to give you a custom marital plan created just for the two of you.
6 Ways to Engage in Spiritual Reflection This Fall
Engaging in spiritual reflection doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating intentional moments where you can connect with God and with each other. Here are some practical ways to do this:
Take a Prayer Walk Together
Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors, and a prayer walk is a wonderful way to combine physical activity with spiritual reflection. As you walk, take turns praying aloud, thanking God for His blessings, and lifting up your concerns and hopes for the future. Allow the beauty of nature to remind you of God’s creation and His presence in your lives.
Create a Gratitude List
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, take time together to create a gratitude list. Reflect on the ways God has worked in your marriage over the past year. Leave an open list on the kitchen counter to add to each day. What challenges has He helped you overcome? What blessings have you received? Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
Engage in a Couple’s Devotional
Find a devotional that speaks to the season of fall and the theme of growth. Spend time each day or week reading and discussing the devotional together. Use it as a springboard for deeper conversations about your spiritual journey, your marriage, and your future goals.
Have a Spiritual Retreat Day
Consider setting aside a day or even just a few hours for a mini spiritual retreat. This could be as simple as spending the day at a quiet park or a local retreat center. Bring along your Bible, a journal, and some reflective questions to guide your time. Use this retreat to pray, reflect, and listen for God’s direction for your marriage.
Set Spiritual Goals for the Coming Season
After reflecting on where you are spiritually, set some goals for the months ahead. These goals could be related to your spiritual practices (such as praying together daily), your relationship (such as attending a marriage workshop or the Reboot Retreat as mentioned above), or your service to others (such as volunteering together). Make sure these goals are realistic and achievable, and hold each other accountable in a loving way.
Preparing for a Season of Growth
Just as good farmers prepare their fields for the next season of growth, you can prepare your marriage for growth by engaging in spiritual reflection. Fall is a natural time to take stock, make adjustments, and set the stage for a fruitful season ahead. By prioritizing your spiritual connection with each other and with God, you’re laying a strong foundation for your marriage to thrive, no matter what challenges or opportunities lie ahead in the4 coming days.
As you journey through this fall season, let us encourage you to embrace the beauty of spiritual reflection. Allow it to deepen your connection to one another, renew your commitment, and prepare you for a season of growth that will bless your marriage for years to come.
To find out more about the Marriage Reboot
*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.
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