Do you remember the story I wrote about a few weeks ago about the contemporary light fixture our friends had above their dining room table? (If you missed it, read about it here.) The one that made me exclaim, “I would never have the courage to try that!” and all the lessons that emerged from that experience?
One detail I failed to mention about that light was it was attached to a dimmer switch. I have been pondering about that element lately. I wondered if my courage control knob instead of an on/off toggle were a dimmer dial. Would it make a difference in how I view the word courage? What if courage could be slowly increased incrementally? What a novel idea – dimmer switch courage!
I imagine there are times courage may be needed immediately such as in response to an emergency but other times we can make choices over time too. A bit like deciding how to enter a swimming pool. Some days it is easier just to jump in all at once (the toggle switch); other times we enter slowly through the shallow end (the dimmer switch). I never consider courage in that way before.
The dimmer switch concept offered me ideas to try courage in mini steps like small adventures of courage of trying new things I have wanted to do but never got around to trying. Slowly stepping out of my comfort zone into new territory. So the other day I made a list of three new things to try this year. I like the idea of tiny explorations, close to home, simple, small stretches of the confidence before trying something bigger.
The image of dimmer switch also gave me a sense of control – I can change how much I turn it higher or lower. I never thought of a volume or weight or amount or even cost of courage before. How much could I handle at one time? How vulnerable could/would I be? Might depend on the day and the circumstance. Or even the season I am.
The thought of one hand holding onto God and the other on that dimmer switch made me smile with courage in my heart to step forth and try anything!
The word courage can be frightening because it is so huge. We assume or at least I did that it has to be done all at once instead of taking tiny little steps. I am beginning to see courage in a new light.
Courage can be a soft one-on-one reaching out to help another person.
Courage can be a quiet gesture to feed someone in need.
Courage can be an act to correct an injustice than others don’t notice.
Courage can be small.
Courage can be simple.
Courage can be in my own time.
Courage can be gentle.
Courage can be light.
Courage can be a “quiet one more day deep breath” and that is enough.
That first step is often the hardest one so why not make it a simple small one. I know myself well enough that once I take that first step the next one comes easier. I know God well enough to know God never abandons us and will walk with us all the way. Sometimes a great leap of faith, the toggle switch of courage is called for. Often though that dimmer switch of courage will work too. Isn’t it a blessing the God’s Light offers us both? Thanks be to God.
What do you think of the dimmer switch image?
I love this concept so much, Jean! I tend to be more motivated with small steps, so the idea of a dimmer switch is amazing. Those 2% changes are effective too. The acts of courage you list are also helpful for me to see. Sometimes I imagine courage as taking some giant leap, but courage is probably more often found in the everyday things we choose to do. Beautiful post!
I love images and this one really helped me with the idea of small steps. I think sometimes leaps are required but not all the time and often we use that as an excuse so hold back. the dimmer switch gave me strength to move forward instead.
I like the concept of dimmer switch courage. Sometimes we might just need a little boost, like a kind word from a stranger, whereas on others, we need an army of prayer warriors behind us.
I find the use of images really helps me and often gives me insight into words and how God is leading me. The dimmer switch was one of these key images for me… Thanks for commenting today, Barb~
Great concept Nancy. Easter Blessings to you!!
Dear Jean, thank you for enlarging what we normally think courage should be! Yes, it can be soft, small, simple, and safe. Beautiful.
A blessed Easter to you and yours. He has risen indeed, just like He said He would …
Blessed Easter to you too Linda!
I think the dimmer switch idea works well for courage, Jean. I also think God sometimes has HIS finger on that switch! In times of need–an emergency, for example–he might turn on our courage to full capacity. Afterward, we hardly know what happened except that God empowered us to accomplish what was called for. I’m so thankful he’s a strong and all-powerful God who sometimes empowers his children to do amazing things!