One of the apps I refer to regularly is the calendar. It helps me remember appointments, and to get to the dentist on time. The receptionist knows this and snags me as I am leaving to pick a date six months in the future, sending me home with a pocket sized reminder card. Admittedly it does not do much to lessen my distaste for going to the hygienist, or make the interruption convenient, or reduce the cost, but that is another issue. No matter how slick and clean my teeth are today, I will need to come back if I want to keep my smile.

The routine of working on your marriage is more likely to happen if it is on the calendar. When we bank on hoping for it to be convenient, or appealing, it will get shoved downstream indefinitely.

There is a couple that joined our marriage group some years back. They persevered in finding childcare, and crowbarring the time into their week. Coincidentally they were in a benevolent place for the duration of the series. I recall how playfully they looked at one another, and sometimes held hands. 

But that was three years ago, and relationships require upkeep. Lately they are struggling more than they are skipping. I pray for them, but I wonder if spending time in the company of other couples who are also too busy to be there might brighten their smiles.