Road Trips & Reconnection: How a Simple Day Trip Rekindled Our Marriage

Let’s be real—marriage has seasons. Some are vibrant and exciting, while others feel like a foggy stretch of road with no clear direction. The key isn’t avoiding the fog—it’s finding ways to reconnect until the light breaks through.

That’s exactly what happened on a simple Easter Sunday day trip to Charleston.

Why We Take Day Trips as a Couple

With both Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL only two hours away from us, day trips have become part of our rhythm—not just for fun, but for intentional marriage maintenance. We’ve found these getaways help us reconnect, reset, and re-center our relationship.

This Easter, after attending Gateway Church, we decided to head to Charleston, something we’ve done many times before. But what made this trip so special wasn’t just the scenery—it was the experience of connection.

We spent time walking through Hampton Park, exploring Charleston Waterfront Park, and enjoying the beauty of Shem Creek at sunset. These moments, shared side by side, without pressure or distraction, became the very thing our marriage needed: presence.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Our souls weren’t the only ones that needed rest—our marriage did, too.

---

Reigniting Connection Doesn’t Always Mean Big Gestures

That night, we visited one of our favorite churches—Seacoast Church—for their first-ever 5 PM service. We’ve attended Seacoast probably 100 times through the years. It’s a place where we always feel spiritually refreshed. Years ago, we even considered moving to Charleston just to be closer to it.

Brandon Lake, who is the worship pastor, led worship that evening. Talk about a powerful experience. Worshipping together as a couple in that moment did something in us that only God can do: He rekindled our fire.

“Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20

There’s a sacred intimacy that happens when couples worship together. And if it’s been a while since you’ve done that—make space for it. It’s worth it.

---

Don’t Quit Just Because Things Feel Off

Sometimes couples feel stuck in a “blah” season and start to think something’s wrong or worse, that the relationship is over. But dullness doesn’t mean death. It just means you need to be intentional again.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19

You might be one simple act of intentionality away from a whole new season in your marriage.

For us, that’s what day trips often do. We take time to explore, talk, laugh, and create memories. We don’t have to wait for a weeklong vacation. A few hours together in a new setting makes a huge difference.

---

Yes, You Can Reconnect With the Kids Around

Here’s the other piece that matters: we bring our kids with us. A lot of couples think they can only reconnect when the kids aren’t around—but we’ve found the opposite to be true. Our kids see us prioritize each other. They feel the joy in our connection. They join in on the fun, and the trip becomes meaningful for all of us.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3

Your family doesn’t have to pull you apart. With the right intention, they can actually bring you closer together.

---

Final Thoughts: The Power of Being Present

Marriage is not maintained by chance, it’s built by choice.

You don’t need a five-star resort or a massive budget. Sometimes, all it takes is a drive, a walk in the park, worship with your spouse, and a sunset to remind you: this is still good. This is still worth it.

So if you’re in a dry or disconnected season, don’t panic. Don’t give up. Just get intentional. Plan a trip. Find a new church to visit. Take a walk. Do something that puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with your spouse again.

Because when you’re willing to keep showing up, God will keep doing what only He can—restoring, renewing, and rekindling your love.

Living an Inspired Marriage,

Chris