Nice to see you again

I’m a horrible friend. I have managed to lose touch with some of the best friends I’ve ever had, simply because I detest chatting on the telephone/Skype/etc.

I’m an in person kind of gal, and don’t do well in relationships that don’t easily fit within that model. Long distance friends from high school, college, past jobs – all have been neglected, though I hope not beyond repair.

Last week I realized my inability (or is it unwillingness?) to maintain close friendships with people I can’t physically see on a regular basis may be affecting my most important relationship – the one I have with Jesus. At first, I didn’t think this was a problem easily solved. How would I be able to physically visit Jesus?

For Lent, I decided to try to strengthen my prayer and meditation life by attending Eucharistic Adoration on my lunch a few times a week. While in the Adoration Chapel, I pray, say the Rosary and meditate on scripture. Some days I’m particularly focused during my time there and others my mind wanders and I constantly need to reign myself back in to concentrate on the scripture or prayer.

Last weekend at Mass, I felt the Lord’s presence more strongly than I have in a while, along with an overwhelming sense of being welcomed. It was as if Christ had said, “Nice to see you again” to me personally. “Again” was the part that struck me, and I knew it was related to attending Eucharistic Adoration.

All these years I have been neglecting my relationship with Jesus in the same way I’ve been careless with other friendships that were once dear to me. All friendships require time, effort and work, and I’m so thankful a Lenten commitment pushed me to find a way to physically visit my most important friend.

What ways do you work on your friendship with Christ?