Close requires risk. It means you are putting your heart out there to trust and care for another person. It means that someone else now has the power to wound you. But it also means that you allow someone else to encourage you, build you up, and enrich you.
Close requires work. It means you spend time being physically close to someone. It means you spend time talking to someone. It means you forgive when you are hurt. And it means asking for forgiveness when you are the one who has done the hurting.
Close requires giving and receiving. It means that you give of your time, your energy, and your heart. It means putting someone else’s needs and wants above your own. But you must also receive these same gifts. You have to allow others to give to you. Which often means being humbled.
Close is a blessing. Close is friendship and love. Close is necessary. God didn’t design us to do this alone. He designed us to experience closeness with Himself and with others. Spend some time today being close. Close to Him and close to those you love.
Kelli this was great! I love the reminder that close really requires both giving and receiving. You are so right! It can be very humbling.
A wonderful reminder of why God made us for relationships and community! Yes, it requires work, humility and vulnerability to be close to people, but the beneifts are truly worth it. Thanks, Kelli. 🙂