Have you ever gone to the beach or a swimming pool on a really hot day? You really want to get into that refreshing water, but it seems so cold in contrast to the heat.
There are usually two ways to get in the water. The first way involves sticking in a toe or two, quickly withdrawing it because the water’s so cold. Then you try again, putting a little more of your foot into the water. Lather, rinse, and repeat until you’ve finally managed, with a lot of shivering and gasps, to get yourself all the way into the water.
The other way is faster and, in the long run, a lot less painless. You hold your nose and jump. The initial blast of cold water can temporarily take your breath away, but only for a moment, and then you’re splashing around having a lot of fun.
That’s how I feel about getting back into church. I want to just dive in and do it. I get to enjoy it longer, and don’t have all the painful adjustments to go through. I’m just there. And the water feels great.
I have spent most of my life getting in and out of swim pools.
The only way to do it, is to just dive in.
What a great analogy.