Intimacy is emotionally invasive; it requires knowing and being known. But the vulnerability and the self-denial that intimacy necessitates can often feel too costly. So we substitute doing for knowing and giving for being known. We show our love in other ways, we reason. But intimacy has no other way. Without time, without attention, without listening, without touch, we can call it what we like, but it is not intimacy. Alicia Britt Chole
How do we build a genuine connection with someone? It's drawing closer and having the courage to be vulnerable, to be known, to show up, to listen- to give time. I've been writing for too long on this blog, sharing my write-ups with anyone who comes across here but is still afraid to show up. And a good friend and mentor told me that "sincerity means showing up too, if you are sharing your write-ups means you're sharing your stories and you build connections to other people. How would they know if you're being truthful with your words when it feels like you're so far and unreal." And it hits me.
In the same manner, God wants us to draw closer to Him, to know Him more, and to love Him more. Just like what John Piper said, "loving is delighting." It's enjoying His presence, seeking Him even in the place of emptiness or fullness, it is having a desire to just get along with Him and to know Him better. It's enjoying His presence, wanting more of Him.
Coming into God's presence is a struggle in a culture that values busyness. We often mistake productivity for being busy, but it's driven by fear of failure, perfectionism, and the desire to please others. While productivity is important, it's better to focus on fewer things that bring us closer to God instead of trying to accomplish everything and getting distracted from His presence.
Drawing closer, resting, pausing, and delighting. Others might think it's a waste of time, others might say- do something remarkable, build an empire so others would adore you, or make the most everything of your time here to enjoy all the things in this world. But you know during my quiet season when it's just me and God, I met the happiest version of me, more joyful though I'm not at the peak of success just like the standards of the world, knowing God is the best thing here, He doesn't requires us to do more for Him to be closer to Him, He just wants our open hearts, willing to listen, to rest, to pause and to embrace the quiet season of our life and to trust His heart.
So slow down, you're not running out of time. Knowing God more is never a waste time, spending minutes of your life to the ones you love is expensive, it is valuable because you might achieve everything here in this world but those moments that you missed would never come back anymore. Tomorrow is never a promise, go and seek God.
However, as it is written: " What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"-the thing God has prepared for those who love him-
1 Corinthians 2:9
