Denver Catholic

DENVER CATHOLIC | FEB-MAR 2024 43 R E P L ACE S O M E T H I N G VA LUA B L E What you decide to give up does not necessarily have to be something bad or sinful. We are also called to put aside certain good things that we like or enjoy in order to become detached from them and focus on fostering our relationship with God — out ultimate good. To this end, consider replac- ing something you enjoy as a couple with another practice that can help you grow closer to God together or bond in a different way. If you enjoy watching a good show or movie on the weekends, read a book together instead, go for a Rosary walk or do another meaningful activity. D E TACH FR O M T ECH N O LO GY Technology is like smoke: it can expand and occupy every single space available – and somehow also slip into unwanted spaces. If we are not intentional about putting limits to it, it can become a real problem in our marriage and family. Make it a point to put your cellphones away when you are spending time together. Make intentional eye contact with your spouse a priority instead of looking at a screen. Set your cellphones aside somewhere else if you have to. You won't regret it. READ A SPIRITUAL BOOK TOGETHER Reading a good book leads to meaningful conversations that can help form a joint spirituality and ensure spouses are on the same page regarding how to instill the spiritual life in their children. You can choose a book or text on marriage or family or even a spiritual classic. St. Benedict required all of his monks to choose and read a spiritual book from begin- ning to end during the Lenten season. Doing this as a couple can bear much fruit for the relationship and will undoubtedly benefit your future or current children. ⊲

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