While driving in the car I heard the tail end of a broadcast about nutrition in medical school. The speaker said that one institution had an innovative program to give hands on experience with food, in order to equip students in the area of healthy eating. They explored diets that prevent obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. What a great way to work upstream. But it was not common. Most medical schools skip over nutrition like a teenager zooms over a speed bump. 

Another doctor reported that he had not had a single minute pertaining to nutrition in four years of extra intensive training in cardiology. Really? Have we so completely divorced eating from a strong heart?

For our anniversary last month a flock of friends blessed us with ways to nourish our marriage. A gift card for a movie, a check for eating out, sweet messages and fresh pastry all showed up at our door. It made us smile. 

I remember a check someone gave us before the twins were born, with the directive to spend it on our marriage. It was from a friend whose marriage was crashing and burning. The note held pain.

"No amount of money can save our marriage. So spend this on yours."

The part that chagrins me though is that I was stumped as to how to invest in my relationship. What did that even look like? I felt like a third year medical student drawing a blank on the final exam.

I would not be at a loss for ideas anymore. In fact I will rattle off a slew right here. Just in case you feel like working upstream.

Take a younger couple out for lunch

Take an older couple out to dinner

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

Take ballroom dancing

Join or create a gourmet club

Join a service organization 

Pray 

Get a mentor couple

Be a mentor couple

Volunteer at a thrift store

Renew your vows

Make music 

Go to a concert

Go to church

Start a garden

Join a sport

Attend a sports event