Dh is having a significant birthday in a week, and we decided to celebrate by spending the weekend in Tiberias – without our children!
The last time we did this was over ten years ago, and it was wonderful, amazing, renewing – something everyone should do when their stage of life allows for it. Couple time is so critical. There’s a reason you married your spouse!
It’s easy to forget what brought you together when you’re caught up in the busyness of life and you feel like two ships passing in the night or partnering business associates checking in about the tasks of the day. Creating time to recharge and reconnect allows you to renew and deepen your appreciation of one another.
And getting out of the house completely changes the energy. I enjoy being at home and spending time with dh, but the dishes and laundry and kids are all still there and even when I create physical space to speak with dh without interruption, in my mind it’s hard to put everything to the side.
Our trip to Tiberias definitely was getting away! The trip by bus was about 5 hours each direction. The hotel we stayed at had a stunning view from high above the Sea of Galilee and we both agreed that just being able to sit quietly with the palm trees blowing, the birds chirping and the inspiring view was enough of a reason to have made the trip. It was literally that centering.
But we also enjoyed the food (that we didn’t have to prepare and clean up from) and the restful hotel environment, which is so different from home. Conversations that weren’t interrupted ten times with various children going in and out, time to nap and read and talk about what we were reading and just be present in the moment- it was wonderful.
We both agreed that this is something that we would like to begin to make a yearly event instead of waiting for a special occasion!
If you’re wondering who was holding down the fort, it was dd19, ds17, dd15 and ds13. They celebrated ds7’s birthday while we were gone and the kids all told us they had a great Shabbos with dd19 and ds17 in charge.
Years ago I resisted going away, feeling I couldn’t leave young children without me. And in fact, I don’t take these trips away when I have very young children. But we mothers can always find something to feel guilty about! When we leave the house for our ‘couple time’ (and this includes our weekly date nights), I also leave behind any guilt! Really, what is better for children than growing up in a home where their parents consciously take time to nurture their relationship?
Avivah
