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 DEVO OF THE WEEK
FAR FROM HOME
“Go in peace. . . . ‘The Lord shall be between me and you.’”
1 Samuel 20:42a (NRSV)
I have never been so far from home. After college, I moved to Utah as part of the United Methodist US-2 mission program for young adults. Meanwhile, my best friend lives in Wisconsin, my three brothers live in Ohio, and my parents live in -- drumroll please -- Alaska.
How can we stay close while we are thousands of miles apart? The best solution we’ve found is to use Skype, a free online program that allows us to make unlimited calls and video calls to other Skype users. Being able to see my family during Skype calls helps me feel that I’m not so far away.
Living in different parts of the country has forced all of us to grow up. My brothers, who never showed affection when we were younger, actually call me! My parents stay involved in my life while learning how to give me space. My best friend and I resolve conflicts even though we can’t talk face-to-face. The distance is deepening our relationships.
As lonely as I sometimes feel, I’m grateful that the separation is helping me grow. And I’m grateful that no matter where we live, God is with us all. <
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