This past weekend when we attended Impact in Ocean City we had the opportunity to spend some time with Tommy Woodard of the Skit Guys. Tommy is Ryan’s youth pastor, and mentor. He is the pastor who performed our premarital counseling as well as our wedding ceremony. Needless to say, he is an important part of Ryan’s life and mine as well.

The best thing about Tommy is not his high profile status among the Christian conference circuit. For me it is the fact that he knows my husband. Every time we get to spend time with Tommy, Ryan walks away knowing that Tommy loves him and is proud of him. Ryan walks away knowing that Tommy is in his corner. He walks away knowing that Tommy knows the wounds of his past, and sees great potential for his future because of them and despite them. Tommy extends to him encouragement, wisdom, support, and accountability. Tommy knows Ryan’s heart and chooses to invest in him.

Very few of us have relationships like this in our life outside of our family members. It is a blessing to find people who are willing to get into the trenches of your heart and know you. It is important for us to create relationships like this… to be mentors and friends who really seek to know each other. Relationships like this are not found. They are created through consistency and love.

To be known intimately is a longing of our heart, and a need in our lives. I believe within each of us our greatest craving is to be known by God. To know Him and to be known by Him is the key to a consistent journey towards Christ. The most important heart for us to know is the heart of Abba. His heart extends healing, reveals beauty, and provides guidance.

Search me, O God, and know my heart…

Psalm 139:23a