Wow you guys really are in on this journey of life with me. The relationships, the pain, the stories, the joy. By default we’re just getting closer and closer.

Okay, now that it’s getting personal on here. The more I share, the more I let you into my life. The relationships, the pain, the stories, the joy. By default we’re just getting closer and closer.

Speaking of… I have to introduce you to my boyfriend DYLAN! Obviously I just want y'all to meet him, but bear with me; there’s a point to this.

Our story in short: he’s from Idaho. We met in YWAM (youth with a mission) as we were full time missionaries. We were acquaintances unto friends for about a year. Then he asked me on a date, I went on one, then two, and now we’ve been dating for 10ish months.

In Hawaii together January-March, then we both led (different) teams to New Zealand (in different locations) April-June. Then I came home to North Carolina and he went home to Idaho: June-present.

So, most of our relationship has been long distance with seeing each other every month or so. Let me tell you, distance must really make the heart grow fond!

It’s beautifully challenging because you just long for the day you can be together in person again. Whether its a boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, friendship, I know you can relate with your long distance relationships.

And the week before, it never fails to kick in.

The excitement the week before I see him. I mean, anytime I think about getting on that plane, giddy butterflies that flap their wings so hard in my belly. You know what I mean. That feeling of throwing up excitement that you can’t contain when you think of seeing someone or doing something you really can’t wait to see/do.

A month ago I was about to go to Idaho to see him.

A few days before I flew, I started feeling these feelings. I was sitting in my car one day jumping with excitement to fly soon. I looked to my left and this middle aged man was looking at me and started smiling so big. I guess it was because I had the biggest grin on my face. As we drove away through the green light, I started thinking: wow who knew the excitement and anticipation could be contagious through a smile?

I heard Jesus kindly whisper “Ella, we’re doing long distance. Do you anticipate my coming to you the same way you do with him?”

Wow. It's true. I sat and thought.

Our whole life here on earth is long distance with Jesus.

One day, we will see him face to face. Either in heaven or when he comes back. And so our 90 (give or take a few) years here on earth should feel like those 5 days before our flight to eliminate distance in a relationship.

That’s crazy! I’ve been praying for that same anticipation to be with Jesus one day. It’s beautifully confronting to think: do I get more excited for a man than THE man who saved my life and died for me. Don’t hear what Im not saying. GET GIDDY, get excited to see that boy/girl etc. But what a awesome way to relate feelings to the unification with our king!

“Therefore we should remain in a state of anticipation and readiness.” Matthew 24:44

I love hearing from ya’ll - thoughts, feedback, YOUR stories, how you relate, what God’s teaching YOU, prayer requests etc!!! EMAIL ME: [email protected]