Grow like a Lobster

I asked AI to generate the image above of the world’s largest lobster on record, weighing in at 44 pounds! Why? I recently read a book that discusses the surprising parallels between lobsters and lifelong learners. And I noticed that, as we as Christians approach our green, growing season, lobsters have something to show us.

Lobsters never stop growing. When a lobster outgrows its hard shell, it bends out of it, leaving it in a soft shell, which eventually changes into a hard shell. This repeats and repeats—the lobster is designed for growth!

We can think of our to-do lists as our hard shells. They can trap us in cycles of repeated actions that can keep us from growing. One way we can break out of our stiff shells and have soft shells is to replace much of our to-do lists with to-think lists. What questions do you have for God? What parts of your personal theology do you want to further develop? As we have journeyed through Eastertide, which will soon end with the arrival of Pentecost, there has been so much to think about! Have you taken the time to sit with it?

In the coming green, growing season, I hope you will reflect on all that has happened since Holy Week and what it means for you. If you want to talk to someone, please make an appointment with Father Jacob or me.

Just as lobsters have a physiological mechanism that causes constant growth, we have the Holy Spirit continually calling us to grow in our relationship with God. May your shell always be soft and permeable to God’s love. Be still, sit with God, wonder, and grow!

Blessings,

Mother Nina+