Crabs in the bucket often have Crab Mentality!

While searching for motivational quotes (which I enjoy)
I clicked on the link giving me "45 Ways to Live Life to the Fullest."

I got stuck on #8.  Not only was it funny - but it's so true.  Then I clicked on another link (I know you do this, too - it's called 'research') and read further.  Here is the #8 "Way to Live" that caught my attention:

#8 - Don’t be a crab in the bucket. You’ve heard the expression "Crabs in the Bucket" – its the tendency crabs have for pulling other crabs back down, right when they’re about to climb out. When you break from the norm, you’ll get pushback from your loved ones. Its not jealousy – they genuinely care for us. But people living the life society tells them to live ... get scared when they see others going for it. Even if they do it subconsciously, and even if it’s out of genuine concern – its still harmful. It creates a culture of conformity, mediocrity, and quiet desperation. Don’t be a crab in the bucket. 

Sure enough, there is a crab mentality that says, "If I can't have it, I sure don't want you to have it."

Let one crab start climbing to escape from their ho-hum life in the bucket of nothing ... and other crabby crabs with their crab mentality start grabbing and yanking the escapee by the legs .. thus ... the ONE crab who desires more out of life, regardless of having a past as one of the crabby crabs.... is pulled back down in the depths of the bucket of nothing.  Hope is gone.  The adventurous crab gives up.  And dies.

There may be crabby crabs in your life.  They know you.  Therefore, they are determined that you can't grow and change  - you can't become!  Any change on your part is resented by the other crabs because they don't have the desire to change.  They would rather keep you in the bucket with them than let you find the freedom to live your dreams.

Everyone wants freedom.  Jesus came to set us free.  If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.  He gives us life and more abundantly.  Jesus is your way out of a boring bucket existence ... Since you are no longer a crabby crab, the crabby crab bucket is not a place of pleasure and you long for joy, peace, and a life worth living!   

I am reminded of a children's song from Sunday School:

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay

Then it goes on to another verse:

I've got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
Down in my heart

Repeat that last verse and by now you have made it to the rim of the bucket.  Now, JUMP!  You just eluded the clasp of crabby crab claws!  Yes!  Freedom feels good!

No more worldly conformity, spiritual mediocrity, and living in a state of quiet desperation. 

Remember, life can be better.  Keep your dreams alive and climb!!!
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