I’ve recently become a new pet owner. My children bought me a 5 gallon fish tank for Christmas.

It fits perfectly on the corner of my desk and provides me with endless joy. It’s really amazing that I’m able to get anything done because it has created quite a distraction (like I need another).

It’s hypnotizing to watch them as they dart around and effortlessly change direction. They bounce against the sides of the tank at their own reflections and search every corner for stimulation. They appear to be such simple creatures. You could hold everything in my tank in the palm of your hand, yet they are still miraculous in their handiwork.

Despite their size and seeming insignificance, I’ve learned a lot from these meager fish. Many lessons of life can be observed while staring into this aquatic wonderland. Here are 5 Fascinating Fish Features we can all apply to our lives:

1. Stay Active. Day or night, these fish never stop moving. They are always on the go exploring their environment, never lethargic, inert, or apathetic. We need to be the same way, active physically, spiritually, and mentally. Otherwise, atrophy will set in and our lives will be fruitless.
2. Stay Hungry. These fish are always looking for food. They never seem to be satisfied and rapidly devour each new meal. If they became sated they wouldn’t eat and would soon wither and die. Likewise, we need to stay hungry and never become complacent. When desire is quenched, we languish and dry up. There is always room for growth and improvement. Don’t rest on your past, create a brighter future.
3. Stay Vibrant. These fish are all uniquely beautiful. Each is distinctive in shape, size, and color, but they are all magnificent!  We are vibrant and attractive when cascading with optimism. Always maintain an affirming outlook and it will be reflected in your eyes, face, and posture.
4. Stay together. These fish are in a group 90% of the time. Occasionally one will stray off on their own, but it always returns to swim in a school with the others. There is strength and purpose in a group. We can accomplish great things on our own, but achievement is boundless in the company of allies.
5. Stay friendly. My fish are never prejudiced or isolating. As each new fish, snail, shrimp, or frog are added to the tank, they are welcomed into the assembly. This is a lesson we teach our children, yet still struggle with as adults. We need to treat others as we wish to be treated, proactively. True love involves acceptance, correction, and inclusion. Don’t isolate new members of your team, church, or group because they look, sound, or act differently. We grow by learning new things from new people. I don’t care how long your group has been together, there’s alway room for more.

There’s wisdom in all of God’s creation, we just have to search and it will be found. What greatness have you beheld in the the small things of His world?