QUOTE : I recently was asked by an earnest young seminarian during a Q&A, “Pastor Nadia, what do you do personally to get closer to God?” Before I even realized I was saying it, I replied, “What? Nothing. Sounds like a horrible idea to me, trying to get closer to God.” Half the time, I wish God would leave me alone. Getting closer to God might mean getting told to love someone I don’t even like, or to give away even more of my money. It might mean letting some idea or dream that is dear to me get ripped away.