So close… but far.

We've been in Seattle for less than a week, but in this short time, the moving process has taught me so many valuable lessons. During our last few weeks in Los Angeles, we were cramming in dinners left and right, with friends and family before the big day. It was so important for us to make sure we made time for this and even with all of our efforts, we came up short. There were people we didn't get to see and no time left to make it happen.

After just a few short days of being in Seattle, I told Keenan that one of the hardest realities about leaving was all the time that we didn't share with people when we had the chance. The very next day, my sister in law texted me and said that just knowing we were gone made her miss us more. We didn't hang out daily or anything but knowing that we had that option provided us both with a special comfort and ease in our friendship.

When she said that, it dawned on me, the power of knowing that someone is near. As always, we can mirror our natural relationships with what's happening in our spiritual relationship with God. Two quick things that I'm processing from this experience...

1. ENJOY THE COMFORT

As my sister in law said, just knowing someone is near brings a great deal of comfort. In the book of John, when Jesus is preparing for the cross, He comforts His disciples by promising the gift of the Holy Spirit. He promises us a gift that is always near.

John 14:15-17

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

John 16:7

"But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

Knowing that we live in a time where we have access to God's presence 24/7 is such a privilege that I don't think we always take advantage of. Life can happen so fast that you forget this incredible living gift is available to you to access whenever you want or need. So enjoy the presence that we've been gifted by God. In the same sense, enjoy those people that God has placed in your life to be another layer of protection and comfort whenever you need it.

2. DON'T SETTLE

The time that we shared with loved ones over the past few weeks made me realize just how much I love the people that we "do life" with. We had a blast at all of our going away dinners, and truthfully, we still haven't wrapped our heads around what building our community looks like without them.

As I mentioned above, the biggest bummer was looking back at all the missed opportunities we didn't take advantage of.

How much is this like our walk with God in some seasons? We find comfort in his presence and knowing he's always there, but we stop there. We settle for that small piece of who He is. We enjoy the comfort but don't prioritize quality time. We don't simply fellowship with God. I'm talking about praying and reading just to get to know Him, not to check a box or because we need something. I'm talking about getting to know Him without any agenda.

I want to challenge you to take inventory of your life and ask yourself a couple of questions:

1. Am I just settling for the comfort of knowing God is near?

2. How can I spend more quality time with God?

3. List three people in your life who you haven't prioritized quality time with, pick up the phone and schedule time together. It can be a quick coffee date or a full day of much-needed quality time.