If courage were a cup of coffee how many times in a day do you pick it up? None most days, you may think but actually we practice it everyday, in small ways if not noticeably large.
Calculated courage takes place when we weigh the known risks. We acknowledge to ourselves elements are not always stable and we all can and will err in judgement at times.
Life. It cannot be fully safe, secure, and serene.
If we never get into the water, never tip our toes in, wade to our ankles, nor feel the buoyancy which takes place as we fully enter in we will miss the swim! Countless swims. Life.
Yet depending on your natural affinity for being in the water, your instructor’s love for teaching, her skills to do so, the balance of sternness and encouragement, which waters you are to learn in, your past experiences, and even how your bathing suit fits, matters.
Do you remember learning to swim? Are you comfortable, apt, strong at it? Or, does it take courage, still? Taking courage to purchase and wear a bathing suit holds lots of us ladies up, right? (Smile)
What areas would you like to tip your toes into? Or, are you already ankle deep, waist deep but need to take up your calculated courage to do so?
I’ve taken lots of risks in life, like everyone. Some more calculated than others. Most reliant upon the grace of God, even if preparations are in place, to make it a “secure” action. But, isn’t that what God wants?
As I thought about Peter desiring to walk on water towards Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, John) and making it a distance. In reading those accounts we often focus on Jesus’ words, as a rebuke for Peter’s lack of faith.
Thinking on Peter recently I gave consideration to how many times I have had the desire and will to get up and out of the boat and to walk on the waters. I’ve done so many times. I’ve experienced success while other times I’ve became fearful, or miscalculated, and needed Jesus to pull me up from possible drownings, embracing me and providing the help I needed.
Would I have rather sat as an observer securely in the boat? As a biblical character, I’m often a Barnabas but also a Peter.
I step out of the boat as I feel led to do so even when my mind, the enemy of my soul, friends, and foes may mock by attempts.
When you and I step out upon life’s waters we need two things: calculated courage and Jesus.
And coffee is a good add-on.
Are you read to make momentum happen with a group of new (or known) friends?
*My latest venture, “Trailhead” is requiring calculated courage. I’m doing the prep, taking the steps, but an obvious call for courage comes with the package.
Consider joining me on this adventure if you live in or close to Eugene, Oregon, you are a female desiring to gain momentum in working your dreams as well as gaining holistic growth in life. See the Trailhead tab for info and more TBA. Additionally, follow AnnetteTrucke: Audacious Consulting on Facebook or email me to be added to a private Facebook group called Trailhead. AnnetteTrucke@gmail.com
Annette Trucke 