Vision Retreat
Prov 16: 9
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Who has heard of a Marriage Vision Retreat?
Retreat, meaning a private coming together as a couple to pray, seek the Lord, increase in connection, and improve on being on the same page. This is just the two of you, not a group. It’s a dedicated time to come together and evaluate where you are and what you’d like to see in the coming year or years.
It’s for touching base to discuss all the things that seem you never have time to discuss. Why? Because kids, ministry, careers, business, and well, just life!
These will be different things for each of you.
So what does it look like? It starts with what is important to you. Each of you.
Start a list. Here is a partial, suggested list:
Top Life Areas to consider when deciding what needs to be discussed.
Spiritual Life-relationship with God
What does God have for us, want from us; what are our spiritual and ministry goals?
Other areas to discuss, growing and praying together, church life.
Personal Life-Spouse, kids
Intimacy, discuss each other’s needs etc. Communication
Family planning, family vision, home life, school for the kids, parenting strengths, weaknesses, traditions, family values, things you want to instill in your kids, home life, culture. Grandchildren, in-laws, extended family relationships, boundaries.
Career/Work Life
Career goals, Education
Finances
Goals, strengths, weaknesses, spending habits, challenges, changes needed.
Social Life
Relationships
Health/Fitness Life
Sports
Recreation/Fun
Travel, big trips, get aways, entertainment, things we like to do together.
~ Give each other encouragement on what you see the other doing great in
~ Things you love & appreciate most about each other (5 things)
~ Where you are now
~ Prioritize focus
~ Things that we want to proactively work on
~ Conflict resolution.
~ Rate your communication and how you can improve
~ Rate your intimacy; share ways you can improve in meeting each other’s needs
~ Where you want to be in the next 3-5 years or even longer (Bucket List)
~ Things you want as your legacy
~ Actions to take
These are only a few topics. Every retreat is unique because every couple is different and has unique needs and wants.
Logistics
This can be a get away or it can be a stay-cation (but have the kids go to the g-parents) for at least a day.
Turn phones off; give each other your undivided attention
Include a date night; make it special (guys think this through)
God has a purpose for our marriage. There is a reason He brings us together.
In order to move forward in unity, we have to agree on our destination. Start each session in prayer asking God for wisdom as you seek His plan and purpose.
Discussion: When can we schedule a Marriage Vision Retreat? What are the logistics and topic areas we want to be sure to cover?
Study: Prov 16:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, show us your heart on areas we need to discuss, connect and be on the same page about.