Having recently added hermit crabs to our household menagerie, I’ve learned a few things about life from them. Here they are:

1. Just because I burrow under and keep to myself for a season, it doesn’t mean I’m depressed or sad or anything of the sort. It just means I need some time to myself.

2. Molting requires a feeling of safety. If I’m not comfortable with you, I will not be shedding my “skin” (it’s actually an exoskeleton in a crab). That takes way too much vulnerability.

3. You can’t judge me by my name. Hermits have a reputation of wanting to be left alone, but hermit crabs actually like the company of  other crabs. Just because I call myself a Californian, or a mom, or a wife, or a writer, or a Christian, you can’t let your preconceived notions color who you think I am. Get to know me, why don’t you?

4. Sometimes I make a mess of things, but that’s just the way I am. I don’t mean any harm.

5. If you see me hanging on for dear life, don’t just stand there, have the trampoline ready! But don’t try to rescue me; sometimes I get in tight spots just to see what will happen. That’s a faith adventure!

Thankful today for:

194. sleeping in my own bed

195. a no-homework week

196. hand lotion

197. caffeine free diet Dr. Pepper

198. talented photographers

199. creative friends

200. my back porch

201. text messaging

202. ministry partners

203. time