I watched a documentary about hermit crabs recently. The hermit crab has a very sensitive skin. So sensitive that it cannot stay for very long without protection from sun rays. As a result, he squats in the empty shells discarded by other crustaceans.
As a small hermit crab, he seeks a shell that will fit snug, but as he grows, he needs larger quarters. The documentary showed how hermits crabs instinctively gather together to exchange shells, everyone according to their need, in a very civil and scientific fashion. Apart from solving our homeless situation, we humans could learn a thing or two from hermit crabs. I don't know if he felt any discomfort, but this tiny animal knew when he needed to change quarters. As people, it would be catastrophic if we donned a full adult body when we only have the maturity of a child. Our bodies grow in proportion with our capability to control it, or so it should be. Throughout my life, I have been involved in many organizations, associations, groups, fellowships, etc….One could think that I really didn't stick anywhere but in fact, I feel like the hermit crab who changed “shell” everytime I grew into a different place. It could be the same for an organization or association that changes umbrella policies as it grows. Of course we like the peace, quiet, and stability that sameness affords, but growth is an inevitable part of life and with growth, we must change shell. Kudos to the hermit crab!
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