My love language is quality time. Sure, I appreciate being served in some generous way; it’s nice to have a sweet gift now and then; and compliments are never discouraged, but my heart responds most to time spent simply being together. This past 
week, my hubs and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. How did the time go by so fast? It’s amazing to think that only five years have passed and so much has happened, including a new job, new/total renovation house, new dog, new baby, new, new, new. Something new is always happening! And at the same time, it feels like we have always been together. We have spent many hours together, talking, doing things we enjoy together, doing things we don’t enjoy together, and supporting each other along life’s path. He’s my BFF because we have spent this time together sharing life.
Our relationship with God is a lot like that too, right? Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. By building in space for quality in meditation, prayer, and study of God’s Word, we develop a deeper, more loving relationship with God too. There are seasons in our life when it can seem so hard to give another 5 minutes; when I just want some me time. That’s important too. But what I’m learning is that when I give God my attention, my time, He gives me back far more than I could ever expect. He gives me Himself.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5
John 15 describes this as “abiding” in Him. Abiding describes the ongoing action of spending time with God here. This isn’t a one time thing. It may involve (and probably is wise to include) specific time set aside, but it’s also an ongoing conversation with Jesus that happens throughout the day and into the night. As my mind things about the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life and the world around me, I speak to Him in my heart and often out loud. By doing this, I find myself abiding in Him. Trusting my life and that of the people around me too. I feel His Spirit in and around me and enjoy fellowship with Him. And our relationship, our love grows and I grow. All because love is spelled T-I-M-E.
