The Same Longing

Not too long ago, as I was desperatley trying to fall asleep, the same thought kept running through my mind, "We all want to be known." I'm not entirely certain as to why that thought crept into my sleepy head that night, but I've been sitting with it, savoring it, and letting it swirl in my thoughts more and more.

I think it's true- we all long to be known; to be understood; to be seen. We have been given the gift of family and friendships, and the capacity to love deeply, but I think even in the relationships that we have, we can feel lonely and unknown. I feel that way a lot. I feel that sometimes even with my own family and closest friends.

But lately, I have been craving to connect with some old friends- I have this image in my mind of us curled up on a couch- laughing, crying, being quiet, being still, being goofy-together. This friend in particular knows me well- she is more than a friend, she is a sister- and she comes pretty close to knowing me fully.

Do you ever find yourself in situations where people are simply broadcasting to those around them? What I mean by that is others are just spewing off words/thoughts/opinions/etc. to anyone who will listen. These people are not looking to understand or engage with anyone, they just want to be heard because for some reason they feel they are quite important. Those situations drain me....and those people annoy me. We are all likely guilty of being "broadcasters" at some time in our lives, but some people seem to make a living out of it.

But let me challenge you with this: the next time you are with another human being, seek to know them more than you already do. Ask them questions that go beyond simple pleasantries, but rather invite them to share a part of themselves that you may not have ever seen or known.

It's a wonderful feeling to have someone seek to know you; to understand you; to see you.

The truth is, no one can ever fully know us. But God does. In fact, He knows us more than we know ourselves. He is the Author of our lives; the Giver of all things; the Healer of all that pains us. He is our Redeemer; our Deliverer; our Sustainer; our Alpha; and our Omega. He is our Creator and He has created us not for this place, but to be with Him; to be in His all-knowing presence.

It's no wonder we all have such a longing to be known this side of heaven.