Fellowship:

Companionship; a fellowship of interest; friendship; comradeship; 

In today’s social media-saturated culture I find myself becoming more and more isolated.  And I don’t think I am the only one.  We feel like we are staying connected to our family and friends by reading short blurbs about their lives, but in reality, you are missing a key ingredient, fellowship.  Face to face, sharing life kind of fellowship. As human beings, we are created for relationships.  It is part of our DNA.  So to be the best version of ourselves, which is the very definition of self-care, we have to make sure this need for relationship is being met. Fellowship is a two-way street, and spending time with friends and investing in relationships will also contribute powerfully to my own self-care.  Is it always convenient?  Nope.  But the good things in life seldom are.

But it is so worth it.   Fellowship doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive.  All it really needs to be is authentic and from the heart.  There is the satisfaction that comes from long term relationships that you have invested time in and done life alongside. And there is also the joy that comes from developing new friendships.  But with so many things competing for our time and attention these days we have to be intentional in making this a priority.  For the last 7 years, I have chosen a word that I want to investigate and live out in my life for the upcoming year.  This year I chose the word listen.  To myself, to God and to others. One way of listening to others is to provide an environment for people to come together.  A few weeks ago I posted an invitation for anyone who wanted to get together for some fun, fellowship, and food that my doors would be open. Was I nervous?  You better believe it, entertaining is not my strong suit. But was it worth it?  Absolutely!  I watched friends who hadn’t seen each other for a long time reconnecting and catching up.  I watched people who had never met begin to talk and share and realize they had shared interests and experiences.  I saw tears shed and hugs freely given.  I heard laughter and memories being shared.  And it filled my soul.  We need this. Every single one of us needs this.  I am making myself a promise, a promise to do this more often.  To open my home and invite people to come in and share their stories, their struggles, their victories, all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly.  To maybe create something, or teach others a new hobby or skill to try.  To inspire each other to be the very best version of ourselves that we can be, and it is going to be amazing!!!