Coon Hunting for Date Night?

Date Night Anyone?

Our friends Kelly and Don go raccoon hunting for Date Night. I admit, I find it a little strange. But it’s the South, so we do things a little different down here. They also breed and sell hunting dogs, but not for Date Night.

I asked Kelly why this activity has become their go to couples’ event, but she couldn’t give me an answer. “It just happened, I guess. We both enjoy dogs and hunting, and so it kind of made sense.”

Her husband wasn’t much help either—he just shrugged his shoulders and commented, “What she said.”

I began to research the history of Date Night and what exactly is its purpose. According to Dictionary.com, Date Night is an evening social date on which a married or long-term couple go out together. It is also a night of the week on which it is usual or customary for couples to go out on a date. But what does the Bible say?

Genesis 2:18 tells us, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” God told us right from creation that fellowship–including time spent between spouses–plays an integral part in human life. Ephesians 5:25 compares the relationship between husband and wife to that between Christ and His church. It signals that couples should strive to replicate this ultimate example of selfless love and commitment within their own marriages.

Genesis 2:24 tells us that God saw the importance of spousal unity. He said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This isn’t just about physical union; it’s also about emotional connectivity achieved through quality time.

In Ecclesiastes 9:9 Solomon advises, “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love.” This verse outlines the need for husbands to not only live life with their wives but genuinely enjoy their company.

The Bible shows us that God values commitment, respect, and love within Biblical marital relationships. Strong marriages need nurturing, and there’s no better way than investing time in each other than Date Night.

According to The Couples Center, Date Night fosters communication, increases feelings of intimacy, decreases the chances of taking each other for granted, decreases stress, and builds attachment.

Well, who doesn’t want that for their marriage?

But as critical as each of these reasons are, as humans we’re not so great about prioritizing Date Night. Why?

Because we’re too busy to fit even one more thing into our schedules. Because we are prone to taking our spouse and our marriage for granted. Because we value our children and/or our jobs above our relationship.

There has been some research on Date Night—specifically there is scientifically backed evidence for five reasons to go out on a date:

1-You’ll each be happier

2-You’ll be investing in divorce-proofing your marriage

3-Your sex life will be better

4-Women have increased satisfaction in their marriage

5-Your children will have a better childhood

Okay, I feel like a really horrible wife right now. Time to schedule one! Please comment and let me know your thoughts on this post-I’d love to hear them. Give me some good ideas for Date Night!

---

Jann Goar Franklin graduated Russellville High School in 1985 and lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She also writes books, which are for sale at www.jannfranklin.com.

You can reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com