Why You Need To Take Courage When You Know The Shift Is Coming
Why You Need To Take Courage When You Know The Shift Is Coming
There are days when we know that we know that we know that things are on the cusp of changing. In my experience, those can be the longest, most trying days. Today, let’s spend some time and chat about why you need to take courage when you know the shift is coming.
Checking In
How are things with you? I wish we were closer so we sit and have a cup of tea together and have a chat. But since we are not, why don’t you grab a cup of something warm and comfortable in your favorite mug, and we can chat this way. Go ahead; take a few minutes for you. I’ll wait right here for you! You’ll feel refreshed and ready to go again when we are done!
Change vs Shift
Sometimes you just know there is a change coming. It may be a change you are excited for; or perhaps a change that you are not really looking forward to. Regardless of your disposition toward it, change can be challenging. One Merriam Webster definition of change is: to make a shift from one to another. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change). I like that word, shift. It is, to me, a more active and dynamic word than change. When I think of change I think of something that is happening to me, with or without my agreement and/or effort. A shift, however, leads me to think of something that is going to require effort on my part and, ultimately, is going to lead to growth. It generally requires digging deep for and/or developing a whole new set of skills. Shifts take us out of our comfort zone. They require that we move and think in a different way. And if we lean into the shift, we will meet the possibility of revolutionary change in our lives. We can decide if those things that are moving in our lives are changes or shifts. Will we let it happen to us or will we be playing an active role? Change vs. Shift!
How long, O LORD?!
Sometimes we know we are on the cusp of a shift. We can sense it. We can see it coming. But the time has been long and although we know it is near, we can’t determine exactly when or how it will come. We grow weary and a bit frustrated in the waiting; the going through. David in Psalm 13:1 cries out, “How long, O LORD?” He knows he has been anointed King, but he is still running from his enemies. He knows the shift is coming. How often have you cried out, “How long, O LORD?” as you see the shift in the distance?
The Courage Of Waiting For The Shift
So what happens when we are on the cusp of the shift, crying out “how long?”
What happens when the weariness and the frustration kick in and threaten to distract us and throw us off track? That is the time for courage. Merriam-Webster defines courage as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage).
Courage Defined
Courage, like shift, is an active word. It requires us to “venture” which means to proceed especially in the face of danger. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture#h1).
It requires that we dig in and find our mental and moral strength and then push ahead towards the shift, even in the midst of the danger, fear or difficulty we are encountering.
Courage requires that we make a decision to stay the course. We know the shift is coming. We know that we know that we know. Now we need to commit to staying the course.
Final Push Courage
There is courage and then there is “final push” courage. Courage is what allows you to stay the course through the change and through the shift. “Final push” courage is that courage that allows you to lean in, lean forward and give it your all at that point when you feel like you have nothing left to give. When you have been moving toward the shift for some time and you know you are on the cusp, but you can’t quite see it because of the weariness that clouds your vision and you can’t hear it coming through your own cries of “How long, O LORD?”. But, you know that you know that you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you have come this far and you are going to go the distance. This is “final push” courage. It is the courage that mothers have as they are about to deliver their baby. Long-distance runners and athletes dig in and find this kind of courage when the finish line is close enough to almost touch. And we, every day we, find this courage when we are weary and frustrated but know that we have come too far to give up now and miss out on the shift.
What I Know
Are you on the cusp of a shift today? Can you see it, wavy like a mirage in the heat of the desert sun? I can’t tell you how to make it come more quickly. And I can’t tell you how to make it easier. But I can tell you that you’ve got this. You are full of courage. You’ve come this far, engaged in the change and moved toward this shift. You have been practicing your courage. And that tells me that you have “push courage” deep down inside of you. Now, you just have to reach in, a little deeper, a little deeper still, and pull it out. Make up your mind on this one – you have come too far and you are not going to stop now. I believe in you!
Until Next Time
Well, it is that time again. My cup is empty and I know you have to get back to the things you were doing. I’m so glad you sat with me for a bit and that we had this little chat! I so enjoy our times together.
This week, dig a little deeper. I know it is hard. I understand that you are weary and frustrated. I also know that the shift is coming and when it comes it will take you to levels and places that you never dreamed of! I’ll be your cheerleading squad on this end, pointing you toward that finish line and reminding you of the importance of finishing strong. “Push courage” is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who have chosen to shift rather than just change.
I Would Love To Hear From You!
Drop a note in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you! Be in touch and share your experience with change and shifting. Let’s take this space and make it a place to share and encourage one another to lean in and find our “push courage”!
If you are interested in more Devotional reading, head over to my Facebook Page where you will find a Weekly Devotion early every Monday morning. Click here to go directly to Weekly Devotions with Laurie.
Until next time,
From my heart to yours!
Laurie
