As a little girl I remember not wanting to take baths. I do not remember the reason for this. I can only assume that I had better things to do with my time. Maybe the thought of getting into the water was scary. Maybe I preferred to be dirty at that moment. Whatever it was, I just did not want to take a bath.

I cannot remember what eventually got in me in the tub. It may have been my parents or maybe I just gave in. What I do remember most about my tub memories was how much fun I had once I was in the bath. I would sing and sing and sing. My fingers would get prunie, but I didn't mind. My parents minded that I was in the tub for 30 minutes and still dirty from the water line up, but I was just happy being where I was. Eventually, I was forced to actually wash up and get out. At that point I was sad that my tub time was over, but dreaded the next time it came around.

So often I treat fellowship like I treated bath time as a child. I know I need fellowship, but I dread going into it. I have fears and doubts, just the prospect seems overwhelming and forced. But... when I am in the midst of it, true fellowship, I don't want it to end. Eventually it must. Then when it is over I can reflect on what a wonderful time I had, but still be dreading the next round.

Why is that? What is it in me that cannot just let go and embrace those times? I do not think I am alone in this. It is hard to go into a new group. Sometimes it is hard to go into an old group. We are all at different points and stages of life. You may be going through something, but you don't have to go through it alone. What I do know is that in fellowship we can also find joy, meaning, and purpose. It is when I am obedient and step past the fear, past the dread, and past the temptation to flee, that I get the greatest blessings.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Let others into your life and let them into yours. Relationships are always worth it, even if we don't feel like it.