Lessons from a Hermit Crab

We have an incredible fish tank. It sits in Hubby’s home office/ all-purpose room. We have salt water creatures full of color and life. It has been so fun to watch these sea animals with my children. The other night, I watched the hermit crabs.

They are pretty amazing little creatures. They enter the tank in a small shell that doesn’t match the rest of the tank. The crab moves about the tank, acclimating to its new environment. Eventually, the shell begins to blend into its surroundings and unless the crab is moving, it is hard to see at a casual glance.

These critters climb. Everywhere. The kids and I were having so much fun watching them climb the rocks, nearly upside down. If one crab got in another’s way, the first would just climb right over his friend. It is very fascinating to watch.

But the most interesting part to me is the crabs themselves. Even though the name Hermit Crab implies they like to be left alone, these little guys are actually quite social. Happier when they are with other hermit crab (thanks, Google!) They lead individual lives but rely on others company for optimum happiness.

They waddle around the tank, happy in their own shell. Sending crabby little greetings to their crabby little friends. Living their own happy little crabby life – until… suddenly they flip over. Upside down like a cockroach on its back.

And there they sit.

One little crab was so interesting; I wish I had a photo. He just sat there, upside down in his shell, with his little arms folded (or so it appeared). Just waiting. Eventually, one of his little buddies would crawl on by and his feet and antennae would go nuts trying to catch on to his buddy.

But his buddy had places to be, things to do, crustaceans to see.

And so the crab would sit. Then try to turn over until he tired out. Then he would sit again. And wait. Until he had strength to try again.

We sat there watching several of these topsy turvey crabs. Rooting for them to pull themselves over. Rooting for another crab to come give his buddy a push. We must have watched for a good ½ hour.

Then, like the Good Samaritan, one crab scrambled directly up to his buddy. As if he was on a mission. He worked his way behind him and gave him just enough of a nudge so the stranded crab could catch hold of his friends shell.

And boy did he clutch on.

It was only a matter of seconds until the crab had righted himself and they were both on their happy little way.

I was so happy for our little hermit crab. I was happy his friend came to help him. Happy he was back on his feet.

Then I looked at my other little hermit crabs. Desperately trying to turn themselves over. Oh, they will get there someday. They will get back on their feet. That is nature’s way. But oh, how I felt for those upside down crabs. How I wished that they had a little crabby friend to come help them back on their feet.

But, maybe our upside down friends need to learn how to right themselves with only the talents God gave them. Maybe it isn’t time for a friend to come to the rescue. And then again, maybe that is all he needs, is just his friend to come help him back on his feet.

So, if life were a fish tank, and you were a hermit crab, where would you be?