Developing spiritual intimacy with our heavenly Father is much like maturing romantic love in the natural realm.
God's beauty, grace, and goodness first draw our attention. As we focus on these attributes, we recognize our weaknesses and need for his forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Our heart becomes captured by his love and willingness to accept, forgive, and promote our life to become complete and perfect in him.
It is then we realize he has brought us to the place of intimacy, the very thing he has always wanted.