Long-Distance Is The Best.

I’m not going to lie, I was not sure if this topic was even worth writing about.

I've realized that the topic of long-distance relationships is a conversation that isn't talked about enough. Before I committed to a long-distance relationship, I never thought I would be a person to do something like this. I think that is what most people believe before it actually happens to them.

No one really knows how to help you, and the chances of finding someone who is doing something similar to you are slim. I'm reminded every day of the little things that I'm not able to do with my boyfriend that the couples around me are able to do together. Many things are taken away when you choose to maintain a long-distance relationship.

This is my second Valentine’s Day not being with him.

There are guaranteed limits. You are limited to phone calls, FaceTime, and texts. Oh, and the occasional letter. Can’t forget those.

It's so easy to throw myself a pity party when I see couples celebrating the infamous day of love together instead of apart. I haven’t had that chance yet, and it can be so incredibly frustrating. Of course there are days, more often than not, that I wish I could pack up my bags and make my way to Canada to be with him.

So, yes, long-distance can suck.

But.

Jesus has been teaching me something lately.

Long-distance relationships are a beautiful reminder of what our Father did for us. He chose to send his Son into a broken world surrounded by broken people. He chose this all for the sake of loving us fiercely. Jesus understands long-distance, because he chose to do it, too.

Because God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son.

For a season of life, God chose to be separated from his Son, to enter into a different kind of relationship.

God chose long-distance for our sake.

There is hope in the distance that I am in, even when it’s hard.

I am reminded that I was placed in Colorado, away from my boyfriend, for God's purpose. If I were to follow my selfish heart, that would ultimately disobey why Jesus has me here right now, and I would be missing out on so many incredible opportunities for learning, growing, and developing new friendships.

Jesus has been challenging me to seek the good in all of this, and when I started doing that, I found something.

I found that all those texts and phone calls are actually benefiting us. We are learning how to communicate clearly and finding different ways to love intentionally. Instead of letting my heart be heavy because of the limits that have been placed between us, I can look at the growth that has come out of our limits.

So, conclusion:

Long-distance is the best.

It is hard, it can be messy, and you may find yourself feeling like you’re in a pit. It requires the acceptance of knowing that your relationship is going to have a different dynamic than the rest of the couples around you.

I chose this. My sweet boyfriend chose this. And we are walking this out together—loving each other fiercely despite our distance.

There is hope, sweet friend. Hang on to the truth of its goodness.

If Jesus can do it, then so can we.

words by Taylor Carlson and photo by Arianna Taralson