Open Guard: Distance Management

For several years, anytime a word pops in my head, I just Google “XYZ word in The Bible”. It’s been a fun way for the Holy Spirit to teach me.

It’s been super interesting to search His Word for jiu-jitsu terminology.

There’s a quiet wisdom in learning how far to stand from the world and how close to stand with God.

The Bible may never use the phrase “distance management,” but its pages are filled with lessons on when to draw near and when to step back.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly.

He loved the crowds—but often withdrew from them. He walked with twelve—but shared His deepest moments with three.

And when He needed to hear the Father clearly, He went alone to the mountains to pray. (Luke 5:16)

Distance, in His hands, was not disconnection. It was discernment.

Proverbs offers practical balance applications.

All relationships have a rhythm, even friendship. Love tends to breathe best when there is space for oxygen between hearts.

Abraham was called to leave his homeland so that he could find his promise. (Genesis 12:1)

Paul wrote of being “separate” not to reject others, but to protect holiness. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Proverbs 4:23 tells us,

Maybe distance management is simply what heaven calls balance—the rhythm of approach and retreat,

The gift of meekness is separate from the holy art of knowing when to speak and when to stay silent,

Conversely, there are times to be in crowds and opportunities to slip away to pray.

Seems in jiu-jitsu, you learn that distance determines control.

Too close and you’re vulnerable. Too far and you lose connection.

But the right space—disciplined, measured, and aware—creates strength, peace, and posture.

So maybe “distance management” is not about walls at all.

It’s about alignment.

Keeping God close, keeping peace within reach, and keeping chaos far enough away that it cannot pull you off balance.

Maybe there were several reasons Jesus had me doing cartwheels at 57 all summer. I always felt it was to encourage others and make them smile. They made many people smile in many different places.

In this moment, it feels like they also served to remind me when I am in balance with Him, anything is possible. That’s how it feels today.

Thank you, Jesus. I sure do love you. Today has been a big moving day for the store and Your moving my perspective is everything in this moment.

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