The Guppy Foot Massage

Have you ever tried a fish therapy foot message? I didn’t even know this was a thing until my recent trip to Thailand. My husband and I were exploring around the Jungceylon Mall in Patong when we saw a tank full of fish feeding on this man’s feet as he set calmly. As we continued to observe the station, we learned that these fish are designed to bring “relaxation.” I wasn’t convinced that any form of enjoyment was possible. I was tickled as a child on my feet and although I was laughing, it wasn’t comfortable. I mean, sometimes I can barely sit still while getting a pedicure. I definitely couldn’t last doing this.

So naturally, my husband talked me into doing it and things got interesting.

I sat down and after removing my socks and shoes, I plunged my feet into the tank full of guppies and like hungry animals, they swarmed to my feet. And it tickled…a lot. I was wondering why the other gentleman we saw at first was sitting so calmly when this obviously was an un-calm experience. It was so uncomfortable at first that I wanted to remove my feet instead of getting my monies worth. But alas, my feet stayed in and after awhile…it got easier. And the easier and more comfortable it got to sit there with hundreds of fish nibbling at the most ticklish area of my body, the more relaxing it became. And after a few minutes, I actually enjoyed it.

I often find myself in circumstances where I have to escape my comfort zone. However, I often stop at that realization instead of actually surrendering my comforts to God and moving out of the comfort zone. Much like plunging my feet in the water tank, I have to be all in.

Here are three things that I learned for taking action when things appear uncomfortable:

Confidence

Before deciding to sit down and place my feet in a tank full of fish, I checked to see if it was sanitary. How was the water being filtered in and out? Would my feet be drenched in the same water of a stranger? In the same way, I wanted to be assured of my safety with these fish, I can find that same assurance with God. He has a perfect track record of faithfulness and provision in His Word and those that have experienced His hand.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Commitment

After gaining assurance in Christ, it’s time to make the commitment. Did I mention that this experience tickled. Like tickled tickled. But pulling my feet in and out of the water would have made things worse. By deciding to stick with it and endure, things got greater later.

Galatians 6:9 NIV

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Community

I did this with my husband. I can promise you that if he were not with me, I would not have even considered doing it. God has given us tangible community to help us hold to our commitment to Him. We were not created to be alone and endure uncomfortable times alone. We need each other.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 NIV

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

What’s something that you have done and committed to that was completely uncomfortable? Let me know in the comments!