Every romantic movie filmed in Italy includes a classic shot of the Amalfi Coast, where hairpin turns lead wide-eyed sightseers past lemon groves, vineyards, and whole towns built into the side of a mountain. It’s one of the most beautiful spots on earth. But I spent 3 days there and hated it.

I couldn’t enjoy the sights and sounds because I was traveling alone. I was missing my wife and kids, and I longed to leave paradise and return to my snowy Michigan to be with them.

I was lonely, because I am made in the image of a relational God—a Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who thrive in their community of self-giving love (Genesis 1:27). Every person knows that pleasure is meant to be shared. There’s little delight in viewing a Renaissance painting if we can’t turn to our companion and say, “Look at that!”

David had waited a long time to become king of Israel. Anointed by Samuel while still a boy, David spent a portion of his life dodging the armies of Saul. Along the way, he became best friends with Saul’s son, Jonathan, who “loved him as he loved himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). So it was a cruel twist of fate when Jonathan was killed in the climactic battle that defeated Saul and delivered the kingdom to David.

Losing the person he loved the most made winning the palace a tarnished prize. While David’s loss seemed inevitable (it might be difficult to persuade Israel that he was king if Saul’s sons were still alive), some of us have deliberately sacrificed our relationships on the fast track of success. Remember, the deepest joy doesn’t come from where we live or what we do, but who we share our experiences with.