“When they started their night, they appeared one way. When they returned, they were different, better. Clearly, something magical had happened” he said.

I hoped he wasn’t exaggerating.

He reassured me. Whatever happened on that night with those couples — the ones he observed — was detectable on them. When they dropped off their kids for child care prior to the last Mariners MV Date Night, all the observable pressures that weighed upon them were no different than our own: bills to be paid, schedules to keep, people to impress, carpools to sort out, lunches to be packed, friendships, in-laws, old issues, new issues, insecurities to try to bury, and  jealousies to silence. But, something must’ve happened, because upon their return to pick up their kids,  they appeared to be different. The old pressures surely weren’t lifted. They didn’t win a bag of money as a door prize to help deal with their debt. There was no counseling “a-ha” that helped them to reconcile a deep wound from either of their pasts. But, they were different nonetheless.

Mariners Date Night is no marriage overhaul. It’s brief and lighthearted. It’s time spent elevating the importance of that one most important of all human relationships — the relationship we have with our spouse. We don’t make anyone confess anything into a microphone. We don’t spend two hours in a Bible study. We don’t do counseling. Amanda and I will talk briefly about one or two things to tune up your marriage. Then, we send you out. Mariners MV will watch your kids (until 9:30pm).

On Friday, February 12th we’ll host a Date Night. A number of people, looking for a different take on Valentine’s Day have told us that this Date Night has become their Valentine’s dinner. Doors will open at 6:30pm. There will be plenty of great hors d’oeuvres. Amanda and I will share a few thoughts before sending you out on your date. Don’t miss it. Let us know you’re coming and whether or not you’ll need child care by registering here. Perhaps after a short date night you’ll  come back a bit different, too. Maybe it’ll even be “magical.” Who knows?

See you soon,

Jeff