Come Close......

“Come close” is the invitation from God.

I get a sense that I am being wooed by God to spend time with him, to draw near to him. After coming through a very busy month of August, that offer is attractive! Last month was filled with a vacation of a lifetime, the celebration of my oldest daughter’s political campaign, and one of the most painful experiences I’ve had in a long time.

Isn’t life like that? It’s a collection of powerful experiences, joy-filled memories, and heart-wrenching grief and loss. 

As we finish the remaining months of 2020 we continue to live with uncertainty. Maybe you too, feel the overwhelm of returning to work and school and trying to do the best you can. You may be suffering non-stop losses with no relief in sight or feel like you have no solid footing to stand on.

In the turmoil, confusion, and chaos the COVID pandemic has produced, we can get disoriented and forget where to find hope and healing. God is proposing a solution to our struggles, anxieties, and fears.

“Come close”, he whispers. He then extends his offer even further, “Come close, come deeper AND come more often”. This intimate invitation speaks deeply to my heart. God wants to be with me and with you. He wants us to feel heard, understood, and cared for.

Come close, come deep and come more often, God whispers

This is comforting to know the God of the universe wants you and me to spend time with him. The proposal to come close implies a relationship that is tender. To come deep offers a depth of vulnerability and to suggest we come more often…….Wow, that must mean He really likes our company!

If you’re feeling the draw to come close, come deep, and come more often to God, spiritual formation services can help you do this. Each opportunity is unique and powerful.

The School of Contemplative Life (SCL) is a leisurely paced, yet extensive introduction to contemplative living. A community of like-minded individuals, through quarterly retreats, draw close to God, deepen their relationship with Him and others. Visit SCL for more information. A new cohort starts at the end of September. We have a few more openings if you would like to join us.

Spiritual Direction (SD) encourages an intimate and personal connection with God. SD can be done individually or in groups. Each experience develops God’s offer to come close, come deep, and come more often.

May you accept God’s offer.