Every year, round about this time, my hubs gathers his management team and for two days, they plan and strategize the coming year for the office. Several years ago, I had an idea. What if we did our own “annual plan” for our marriage, our family, and we got away to do it? I decided to surprise him, and I booked a room at a wonderful little inn that was about an hour away from our home. My only request from him was to bring his computer.
When we were in for the night, I had him get out his computer and I took out mine. Then, I pulled out a two-page document – The First Annual G-Family Plan – that I had put together for both of us to fill out. Now, my man LOVES a plan. LOVES. I think it might be one of his love languages, actually, so this went over BIG! We both perused the questions, answered honestly, and then traded to read each others’ answers. Perhaps you’re wondering what the questions were. Here are just a few:
What is the main financial goal you would like to achieve this year? How can we make it happen?
Name one thing you’d like your spouse to work on changing this year? How can you help?
Name three things you can do every week to take care of your marriage?
That first annual plan was five years ago, and we’ve done it again every year since. The only difference is, now, we pull out our plans from the year before and see how we’ve done. In some areas we’re victorious; in others, not so much. But it’s healthy, enlightening, and it helps us voice some things that are important to each of us that, otherwise, we might not bring up.
This weekend is our Annual Plan 2009. It’s something we look forward to, not just because it’s a chance to steal away, but because we start out each year on the same page, with common goals and a single focus.
Interested in doing a little planning of your own? If you’d like a copy of our plan, just email me! If it works for us, it will work for you…and besides, it’s just plain fun!
Melinda, I would love a copy of your plan! What a wonderful idea! Thanks for being willing to share your thoughts on this… I love it!
What a great idea, Melinda! I’m not sure it will be up my husband’s alley, so to speak, but I would still love to see a copy of it. If nothing else, it could provide some good topics for conversation from time to time.
Have a wonderful weekend — and blessings in 09!
ckbarkeratgmaildotcom
Count me in. Send a copy, and I’ll try and work on a date night (away from this madness) with my man. Keep in mind, he’s not a planner. Doesn’t ever look at a calendar (I can’t even tell you the problems this has caused over the years…). So we’ll start slow; but when it comes to our marriage, he’s all over it.
Enjoy your time away.
peace~elaine
I would love a copy of your plan! I love this idea!
Love, Me
Melinda,
I have God-skin, what an awesome couple you are that so pleases God.
I would love to have a copy, thank you for asking and for sharing with us.
You are beautiful Sister!
Yolanda
Melinda: I am so blessed by your blog and I love this family plan idea. Will you send it to me too?
What a wonderful idea! My man and I did this yesterday on a MUCH smaller scale – very informal – but we talked about prayer targets for each other, our boys and their wives, and for our church.
You’re a blessing!
Jan
Melinda,
What a great idea! Carving out time for each other is an absolute must and planning together sure does eliminate a lot of confusion and opens the lines of communication. I’d love a copy of your plan.
Thank you for being so transparent!
Ginger 🙂
Melinda,
I am very new at this blogging, but have been reading your posts for a couple of months. You are such an inspiration and I would love a copy of your plan. That is right up my husband’s alley also. Thankyou and have a blessed new year.
Your blogging sister in Christ,
Sandy
[email protected]
I would love a copy of your plan. Please send to [email protected]
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and sharing such timely words of encouragement and wisdom. I will definitely make some time tonight to read that. Such a blessing to have her come home today!
Thank you again 🙂
That’s a great idea. I think every marriage would benefit from that. Please email me a copy.
Thanks so much for sharing. Happy New Year!!
What a wonderful way to keep your marriage strong! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Melinda, what an awesome idea, and what a way to bless my husband! I’m so excited to give him a plan from him spontaneous wife! Your words are always a gift from the Lord and always speak to my heart! Thank you for sharing this with me…truly a gift!!
Kelly
[email protected]
Melinda, please send me a copy of your plan and by the way I love your blog. This is my first stop by it. My e-mail is [email protected]. I share your love of travel too!
EMAIL ME PLEASE!!!!!! I so want that plan. And, check out my blog too….same sort of thinking.
I love ya girl!
Hugs,
Fran
oh yes, my fella LOVES a good list and planning is definitely part of his love language.
Please forward me a copy.
We’re heading to Austin for a week without ‘our’ little people; this should be an interesting surprise.
thanks Melinda and Happy New Year girl!
That sounds like a good tradition for us newlyweds to start….please forward your plan! Thanks!!
I LOVE this. I’m the one in our family who loves a plan. I’d love for you to email me as well with what y’all do… how did you come up with the questions? Do you have other suggestions?
Oh, and I hope you had a great time as you traveled during the holidays.
~Donna
I am going to make a strong suggestion to my man that we do this! I love it!
Melinda,
I have been so excited to start reading your blog and adding that to my daily routine. And I love the annual plan idea–that is right up our alley! Would you send me a copy of your questions? Thank you!!!