Harrison
Many years have passed since my now soon-to-be-married daughter came home from a birthday party clutching a little plastic bag filled with water and a tiny goldfish. We named him Harrison, after a popular television character, and set up his little home on the kitchen counter. His body was a shimmery gold, and his little fins translucent and elegant. At times he looked like a graceful dancer swirling in a gossamer gown.
He was a quiet little fellow and so easy to care for. A sprinkle of food twice a day and clean water were all it took to keep him healthy and content. With his gentle beauty, he gave so much more than he took.
When he first arrived, I was determined not to get too attached. I knew his fragile beauty bespoke a delicate nature, and I feared we wouldn’t have him long. However, he managed to work his way into my heart, and I found myself breathing a sigh of relief each morning when I caught sight of that little gold body swimming around in his bowl. He proved to be quiet hearty.
The grace and beauty of that little speck of life brought me joy, but there was a certain sadness I felt for Harrison. His world and his life were so limited – a gallon of water and a glass container. Just outside those transparent walls was a whole world waiting to be discovered, but Harrison lived his life totally unaware of that. He never knew about sunshine, ponds or other fish. He never knew the freedom of unconfined space. It is true that he was safe and cared for, but he missed so much.
Occasionally I find myself thinking it would be nice to live the way Harrison lived; times I long for days of sameness and safety, when the world and life seem too much like a tumultuous ocean. I simply want to stay where I am comfortable, safe and cared for. But how much I would miss.
The Lord doesn’t desire a fishbowl existence for us. He wants to give us so much more. He sends us out from our comfortable places so that we might serve and grow – so that we might experience all that He has planned for our lives. Because of Him, we are cared for and protected even in those places that we fear to go, and in Him we have freedom and abundant life in Him.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou has anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
Blessings,
Linda
A fishbowl existence would be safer, but as you wrote, so limiting. I desire all that God has for me. And so I’m jumping in…or should I say “jumping out” of the fishbowl!
Trusting Him, Joan
oh, yes, it would be very limiting to swim around a fish bowl my myself.
God allows much more for me, and i allow many limits that don’t have to be there.
Plus, there is no limit to God, or to His Love, or any of His othe attributes.
Hey, I just came across your blog by doing a bit of blog-surfing, and I’m glad I did! I’ve added myself as your newest follower, and I hope you’ll check out my Christian devotional site as well: http://www.nocondemnation81.blogspot.com
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
Dakota
Hi Linda!
What a great metaphor for the “safe life.” Staying put ~ It’s so easy to do {especially up here in New York where it’s cold right now} Sometimes, I catch myself in a rut of work and home this time of year.
What a great reminder that we are meant to salt and light to one another.
Thank you, Linda for being salt of the earth!
*blessings for each day and always*
~Maria
Oh, I really like your analogy about the fish-bowl. Yes, I sometimes wish I would be ‘safe’ in a little fish-bowl, getting fed, looking around. But God wants me to be out there in the world. I am glad that He is with me every step of the way.
Thank you Linda for your encouraging words.