Week 165: Marriages and Offset Work Schedules

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Please join us this week in praying for marriages in which couples have offset work schedules.  In a very large number of marriages today, both spouses work.  This situation has its own challenges, but, when the spouses’ work schedules off-set, that is, one works days and the other works evenings or midnights, the challenges become even greater or at least different.

When spouses have offset work schedules, just carving out time to see each other can be difficult.  Sleep schedules can create conflict, and intimacy can be curtailed because both spouses are not rested at the same time.

The social life of the couple can be affected.  Events both would enjoy attending are often scheduled at times which will keep one or the other away.  When the events are for couples, even the spouse who could attend will often opt out because he/she doesn’t want to feel like a fifth wheel.  The snowballing of this situation can cause the couple to become isolated from others who could contribute an added level of joy to their lives.

The issues for couples in this life situation only grow more pronounced if children are involved.  More balls are thrown into the typical juggling act of family life, and just keeping all the balls in the air can take a significant amount of coordination.   If one or both spouses are not committed to the extra effort this takes, resentment and blame can arise when a ball is dropped each spouse expected the other to catch.

Pray this week that couples in this life situation will
  • Be gracious and long-suffering with each other
  • Be creative and persistent in scheduling couple-time
  • Have informed and understanding friends who will endeavor to adjust schedules so the couple can socialize together with their friends
  • Overcome any hesitancy to be involved in beneficial social events and spiritual activities just because they may have to attend alone much of the time
  • Be protected by the Holy Spirit from drifting away from their spouse because of the limits on their couple-time
  • Be able to find jobs or obtain schedule changes that will allow for a less conflicted schedule 

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