I first read this about 9 years ago. It had deep meaning for me then and I still think of it occasionally when the topic of change is at hand. Enjoy...
A MODERN PARABLE
Long ago, when the world was very new, there was a certain lobster who determined that the Creator had made a mistake. So he set up an appointment to discuss the matter.
"With all due respect," said the lobster, "I wish to complain about the way you designed my shell. You see, I just get used to the one outer casing, when I've got to shed it for another. Very inconvenient and rather a waster of time."
To which the Creator replied, "I see. But do you realize that it is the giving up of one shell that allows you to grow into another?"
"But I like myself just the way I am," the lobster said.
"Your mind is made up?" the Creator asked.
"Indeed!" the lobster stated firmly.
"Very well." smiled the Creator. "From now on your shell will not change...and you may go about your business just as you are right now."
"That's very kind of you," said the lobster and left.
At first, the lobster was very content wearing the same old shell. But as time passes, he found that his once light and comfortable shell was becoming quite heavy and tight. After a while, in fact, the shell became so cumbersome that the lobster couldn't feel anything at all outside himself. As a result, he was constantly bumping into others.
Finally, it got to the point where he could hardly even breathe. So with great effort, he went back to see the Creator. "With all due respect," the lobster sighed, "contrary to what you promised , my shell has not remained the same. It keeps shrinking!"
"Not at all," smiled the Creator. "Your shell may have gotten a little thicker with age, but it has remained the same size. What happened is that you have changed - inside, beneath your shell." The Creator continued:"You see everything changes...continuously. No one remains the same. That's the way I've designed things. And the wisest choice is to shed your old shell as you grow."
"I see," said the lobster, "but you must admit it is occasionally inconvenient and a bit uncomfortable."
"Yes," said the Creator, but all growth carries with it both the possibility of discomfort and the potential for great joy, as you discover new parts of yourself. You can't have one without the other. When you let go of your shell and choose to grow, you build new strength within yourself. And in that strength you'll find new capacity to love yourself...to love those around...and to love life itself. That is my plan for each of you."
