Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Time for a New Shell - Hermit!

 Hermits need to move beyond the confines of their comfortable dwelling in order to continue their growth. So this hermit (me) peered out from my comfortable, secure, tightly-fitting shell of my family dwelling to expand my growth.  As I explored new adventures outside my comfort zone, I remembered why I had settled in so many years ago.


Hermit crabs outgrow their shells, needing them to search for another dwelling to expand.
Prayer of Jabez - says "enlarge my boundaries".


Searching out my new expanse, I signed up to volunteer at the schools once a week and also attend a women's Bible study.
Our schedule should allow for this new growth.  The volunteer time would occur while my four-year-old is at pre-school.  The Bible study would take up evening time, not interfering with our homeschool day.  My fourteen-year-old could handle himself during volunteer time and take on the duties of child care for one evening each week.


I grew excited with the possibilities of my expanded shell.  Larger surroundings can bring, not only growth, but refreshment to the soul.


Then, like the crab who ventures out, the predator came looking for the adventurous crab.


First, the predator came with the volunteer training.  The schedule collided with my son's baseball game and my husband's much needed work time.  This would leave the four-year-old and his brother abandoned at the ball field.  My husband stepped up to the plate, losing some work time, to cover me during this time.
Second, the predator met me with conflicting schedules on my Bible Study evening.  The only night of the week that my son and his girlfriend's family could eat with us landed on the same night.


I turned to the old shell...I was comfortable there.  My family could depend on me to be there.  No one changed their schedule for me because my schedule was theirs.  This is how it had been for the majority years of my 26 years of mothering.
The new shell meant "growth".  I am edging on age 50.  This is a new season of my life.  I need to learn how to expand in new territories.  My kids' schedules will not always dominate mine.  I need to expand beyond my comfortable "shell".


Which shell would  I return to as I stood naked between the two choices?


Slowly creeping, with watchful eyes for more predators, I scurried into the larger shell.  My family will make adjustments.  I will continue to serve them as I have in the past.  Hopefully, my growth will encourage growth in them also.


Is it time for you to find a new shell,  one that will expand your growth?  I know alot of you are expanding into some very large new shells...blessings!!!









12 Joining in with more words:

Lisa said...

I am excited for you and your new shell adventure. I hope your new shell will be able to hold all the new, exciting things that God has in store for you. I am glad you took the chance to go and explore new territory. Have a blessed day!

Theresa said...

That is exciting Janette. I hope you enjoy your volunteering and Bible Study. I do not like change so I guess you can call me a hermit. LOL.
Great analogy.

Sandy said...

God is always growing us, sending
us out on new adventures in Him.
I love that He is with us every
step of the way. The Bible says
that the steps of a good man
(or woman!) are ordered by the
Lord. He is ordering your steps
too!
Love,
Sandy

Farm Girl said...

That is a good thought to think about this day. I do think I am a hermit too. It is just the God brought me back to my shell. I have had to learn all over about serving Him in my home. My older kids need my car to to go to college, so no car during the week. I am doing school so that is good. My married girls would rather do Bible Study with me so they can bring babies.
I has been a very hard readjustment.

Thanks for you comment. Yes, sometimes I do miss the movement and wish I could feel it again.
I guess when I was writing it I was thinking about my new grand baby and my daughter. :)

Debbie said...

Oh Janette I love that you moved yourself into that bigger shell. What a great analogy. With 4 kids and such busy varied schedules I can soo identify with this post. Or I guess I used to. I know how hard it is and how much everyone just comes to expect that well of course mom will accomodate with hers. And you know what, we usually do. But sometimes I think it is good for them all to know mom has a life outside of "us" too. And sometimes it makes us better mom's too. I encourage my young dil's to make room for some time just for them too and it is hard. Sooo much sacrifice involved sometimes being a good mom. But I personally think it makes the kids better people learning to pitch in and to realize it isn't always all about them. I am excited for you on your new adventures. I know God has great things in store for you. HUGS, Debbie

Deborah Ann said...

Ah, yep! I'm coming out of the shell too. When I step out in faith like that, God always seems to increase my joy. Ain't life grand?

Many blessings on your journey, my dear friend.

Susannah said...

I'm enjoying your hermit crab analogy! Well said, Janette.

I'm glad you have the wherewithall to add new activities to your schedule... and the trust that other family members will adjust to YOU. (Now that's a novel thought to me!)

Hugs, e-Mom

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I'm cheering you on Janette, and I am really proud of you! Not only are you a strong Texas girl, you're a strong 'God's girl'... best of all! :)

myletterstoemily said...

good for you! i love this hermit shell
analogy and pray that your new shell
is a broad, wide space full of His
Spirit.

my daughter was given a hermit crab
that creeped us both out so much
that we sneaked it back into the pet
shop case. :)

Diana Ferguson said...

Great post and analogy. Looking forward to hearing more. Have a good Friday!

Farm Girl said...

Have a fun day today. I think that is the best idea for a book club. I don't know if my boys would do it though. :) I would love to have a sewing day with you. :) We could have so much fun.
I have only really started sewing again after about 20 years. To busy raising kids. I have had to start over from scratch. When I found out I was going to be a grandmother, I wanted to do quilts for them. So,
now the bug has bitten and I want to make up for the 20 years I didn't sew. :)
I have been a bit obsessive I think.
I want to make dolls for my grand daughter and toys for my grand sons.
It just takes over.

Have a lovely day and a lovely weekend.
Thanks for your sweet comment by the way.

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

I too fight being a hermit. Thanks for the reminder. And I LOVED your sweet note about your happy blue door! You go girlfriend!
hugs,
Leslie

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