Dimmer Switches.

I was listening to a song on the radio this week, by an artist named Pete Murray... I don't know the name of the song, but a line in the lyrics stuck out... "your only fear is possibility."

These lyrics reminded me of words Nelson Mandela used in a speech, he said:
"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."

Speaking from my past, there have been times where I have wanted something not in my reach, desired it, fought for it ... and then once it was in my reach I then second guessed if I really wanted it. Knowing that you are powerful or that you can make a difference can be a little off putting, to say the least... and the extreme light a bit too bright for most people. To be honest, possibilities regularly scare me. It feels safer to stay in the shadows and just do ordinary things.

There are special light switches available called Dimmer Switches. Not only can you turn your light on or off but you have an additional control to turn up the light brighter or dimmer. If people are reading they would turn it up to full strength, but if you are just resting in your room you could turn it down so the light is dull and things feel less intrusive.

Most people I know who have these dimmer switches tend to keep the controller in the middle somewhere, rarely at full strength... it is too bright for their comfort. I feel that this may be the same with how we view ourselves in our everyday life, as well as our spiritual walk. Sometimes it seems safer in the shadows ... maybe the limelight is a bit too freaky for most. Being content with average... afraid of shining too brightly or doing extraordinary things is more common than I had previously thought.

Have you ever been afraid of what you could do? If your are called to be a lamp, be one, and don't hide under the bed or a bowl - you were made to shine! Don't hold yourself back, find the dial and turn it up.

Shining with you,

Akita.
7-6-07

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Matthew 5 v 14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

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Akita Olsen - Youth Pastor
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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