Crabs in the Bucket?

Many people living near the ocean enjoy crabbing as well as fishing. Once the first crab is caught, it is placed in a bucket and is likely to crawl out. However, when a second crab is placed in the bucket, the crab-catcher knows that neither will escape. The reason is that when one crab will attempt to crawl out, the other one will pull it other back down. Neither crab will allow the other to get out.

The crab is not getting out itself, but it does not want the other one to get out either! So both stay in the bucket and become somebody’s lunch.

I have noticed that people do the same to one another. One person has a dream to make a life change and as soon as he moves towards it, someone else is right there with a wet blanket, a negative comment or ridicule.  The countenance falls as hopes are deflated. Maybe there is fear that to attempt the dream will bring disappointment or hurt. Some people are so bound in pessimistic mindsets they have no faith for change.

Or the reason may be that if the dreamer is successful, others may have to face their own fears and weaknesses for not taking a chance on their own dreams.  Consequently, many have settled for much less than what they once dreamed.

Yet, Jesus said in Mark 9:23, “All things are possible to him who believes.”

David, the surprising hero

David was a shepherd boy sent to inquire after his brothers’ welfare at the battlefield. They were not happy to see him, accusing him of wrong motivations when David heard Goliath’s taunts. The Israelite army was intimidated by the menacing giant’s threats day after day, and none were bold enough to face him. David became indignant and determined to fight Goliath himself.  As David approached, the seasoned warrior ridiculed the teenager’s capability as a genuine adversary. Rather than be intimidated, David chose to believe in God and in himself and made a dire prediction of Goliath’s fate by his hands. Running towards Goliath, he hurled the stone from his sling which felled the giant.  When his army saw that their champion was defeated, they fled. (1 Sam 17)

David refused to let his brothers’ lack of confidence or the enemy’s threats keep him from victory.

Do you need a crab’s opinion? Or God’s?

A coach can be the ally to help protect your dream from the crabs of life.  See yourself out of the bucket with a different future than the ones the crabs may envision for you. Do not allow those who have never done it to tell you it cannot be done. Your precious dreams are for the ears of those who will support and encourage you to pursue them.

A coach can help you build reinforcements of strength, comfort, and positive relationships to great ensure the realization of your dream.  And maybe as a reminder, take a seafood lunch!

“All things are possible!”

(Ps 1:1-3 NAS) How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.