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Have you ever been crabbing?
There’s a story I heard from a dear co-worker of mine that has great meaning.
It’s about the “Crabs in the Bucket”
Late one summer, a man was at a fishing dock and watched a dozen crabs in a bucket. And a few of the crabs were trying to get out. While all of the crabs squirmed at the bottom, once in a while, one crab would crawl up the side in an effort to reach the top and escape.
Now, a crab placed alone in a bucket could easily climb out. But in this instance, each time a crab made its way closer to the bucket’s rim, a crab from below would reach up and pull it back down.
The man observed in awe that when another crab would climb upward, again and again, one crab from the bottom would tug it back down. So, the crabs who were trying to escape couldn’t get out. They were being pulled back down to the group’s shared demise.
Like the crabs in the bucket, don’t let people pull you down. Be wise. Ultimately, no one can keep you in a confined bucket except you. For as much as some people or young adults refuse to believe it, the company you keep does have an impact and influence on your choices. The Bible says, “Don’t be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Sometimes, the simplest lessons in life are the hardest to learn. It’s been said that nothing is as difficult to see as the obvious… this I know.
Many a time I ask God, “Why did you show me that?” “Why did you allow me to go through such anguish?” And then He replies, “I permitted this so you can recognize good and evil immediately. The ability to discern a person’s true character is a gift.”
The people you allow into your life are contagious. Choose wisely. Our associations are so very important. People reveal to you who they are the first time. And when they show you…believe them. We may pass over questionable behavior and make all kinds of excuses, but in the final analysis if you are horribly mistreated or if you associate with someone with questionable behaviors, you can become like that because it can grow to be inherent. Abuse in any form or bad associations, can make us seriously depressed, ineffective and sick with deadly consequences.
When you have to start compromising yourself or your morals for the people around you, it’s probably time to change the people around you. Avoid those who try to tell you that you have nothing to offer. Don’t give contrary opinions the time of day. Consider the source. It is not that you get knocked down that counts, it’s whether you get up! Avenge yourself by not resembling or taking notice of those who have injured us. Let’s take a lesson from the weather; it pays no attention to criticism.
Steer clear of relationships with people who don’t respect themselves. Why? They will be incapable of valuing you. Select your friends wisely, for the choice is brief and yet endless. I read in Proverbs 27:19, “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.”
Separate yourself from unhealthy influences. And that goes for social media; what you are reading, watching and hanging around with on a regular basis. Be picky about who you keep around you. Personalities, words and traits do rub off naturally. Use caution in whom you trust. Impostors can tear up your dreams and their wrong thoughts, actions and attitude may come disguised in a very clever package. And, if left to remain, they can destroy all of the loveliness of life.
A reader told me that some years ago she started a business with a small group of people and invested a large sum of money. After a short time, she realized the individuals she began the enterprise with were not capable of good, honest dealings. And the venture she assumed she would be participating in, as well as sharing the profits, was being mismanaged. Subsequently, her business associates took control of the operation and forced her out. The dispirited woman was full of anxiety, unable to sleep and racked by deep depression. Nothing seemed to console her. “Finally,” she said, “I came to the conclusion that my worry, fear and resentment were causing my suffering.”
And she continued, “I prayed and put the whole matter into the hands of God and let it all go. Soon, I was able to forgive and ceased worrying and resenting my former business partners. My health immediately improved and I had the strength to start again… this time with increased wisdom and discernment.”
You don’t need to be the crab pulling others down. Instead, you can be the one who lifts them up. Overcome bad with good, falsehood with truth and hatred with love. Be caring, generous and good natured. Life’s journey is about the joy of helping and loving one another. Benevolence is a gift that nurtures our own souls, soothes our edges and awakens our hearts to possibilities.
Never underestimate the influence of the people you have allowed into your life.
It is imperative to surround yourself with those who enhance you, put affirmative thoughts in your mind and who encourage you. When we are around people like that, we grow just by their upbeat presence and wisdom.
Dispel concerns and worry with prayer, faith in God’s plan and commit to memory Psalm 34, “I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
And He will, dear readers, He will. May God bless and keep you. And once you climb out of that bucket, a wonderful, new life is yours to discover.
Follow Catherine on Instagram @Catherinegalassovigorito
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