How can I compensate for those times when my physical presence is not possible?

1 Corinthians 5:3-4Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit . . . I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.

When we are not physically present, we can still exercise our commitment to our relationships. Two caring people can provide emotional and spiritual support for each other at a distance through correspondence, calls, and other means of communication.

Ephesians 1:16–18I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Philippians 1:7You have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:17Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.

2 Timothy 1:4I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

2 John 1:12I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

3 John 1:14I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.

When we are away from our families or our dearest friends, we should keep in touch with them as much as possible, praying for them along the way and looking forward to our reunion. Face-to-face encounters are certainly precious. But calls, texts, e-mails, and letters can help to keep us close to those we love or for whom we are responsible. And we certainly should pray for them.