I Like My Crutches!
Crutches are supposed to be temporary. We use them until we can walk on our own two feet again.
Usually crutches aren’t terribly comfortable, and we’re all too happy to get rid of them as soon as possible. Who enjoys hobbling around at half speed with cumbersome crutches that occupy their hands as well?
But other types of crutches can become quite comfortable. We get to the point where we really shouldn’t need them anymore, but we like them and don’t quite feel like letting them go.
Financial subsidies are especially annoying to let go of. They were supposed to be for a short time, just temporarily until we didn’t need them anymore… but we like free money and are in no hurry to stop receiving them.
Crutches come in all shapes and forms, and can really be quite distracting when they’re comfortable.
I remember taking my children’s pacifiers away when they got too old for them. They didn’t like it, but they soon adjusted and learned they didn’t need it. Two of my children sucked their thumbs instead of using a pacifier, so I couldn’t take them away… and now one of them has crooked teeth as a result.
Outgrowing Your Pacifier
God occasionally takes our pacifiers and other various crutches away. And we don’t like it! I admit, I like some of my crutches very much. But I won’t grow in the right direction if I don’t give up the crutches.
Life is like climbing a set of stairs. You start at the bottom and head to the top. Each step serves a purpose to get you to the goal, but the step isn’t the final goal. When you hang out too long on one step instead of climbing to the next one, God may decide it’s time to make that step less comfortable – or remove it! Now we have to move to the next step. It’s unknown and uncomfortable, but at least it’s taking us closer to the goal.
Moving On
Most big changes I make in life come because the step I’m on is either removed or becomes quite miserable. My comfortable crutches are taken away. I don’t like moving, I don’t like changing, but I can’t stay where I am anymore. So, much as I hate it, I climb to the next step. Which is always better in the long run.
If you feel like your crutches are being taken away or the ground beneath you is crumbling, there’s a reason. It’s time to climb higher. It will be all right. This is good for you.
