Bump the Lamp!
While working at Pine Cove in college, our camp director would tell us to “Bump the lamp.” The phrase comes from the movie, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” In the movie, there’s a scene where Eddie’s head bumps a lamp and it swings recklessly throughout the room casting light and shadows across both the animated character and actor. The movie is an amazing combination of animation and live action scenes.
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Initially, Eddie’s head didn’t bump the lamp. In a scene that would later contribute heavily to the movie’s achievements, there was little achievement. The director saw the scene and wrote a simple note to the animators, “Bump the lamp.” There are multiple accounts of this story, but in one, the animators attempted to explain the time, effort and detail it would take them to “bump the lamp.” They would have to redraw each frame, and add shades to each contour of the faces and cast the appropriate shadows behind them. Such an incredibly huge task. In the midst of their explanations and complaint, the director wrote a simple note back that said, “BUMP THE LAMP.”
If you look at the movie today the lamp is swinging like crazy! They went above and beyond in bumping the lamp. And what a reward they received for it! 4 Academy awards, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, and a Special Achievement Award.
Yesterday I was empty. We are smack dab in the middle of 6 weeks of travel and I was emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. Everything in me wanted to give up on the day and figure out the shortest route to the bed. But deep in my heart I heard, “Bump the lamp.” I tried to give God excuses... yet again I heard. BUMP THE LAMP. So I danced with the kids, swam in our inflatable pool, made a nutritious meal, gave them baths, made Josh lobster & steak and ended the evening with more energy than I had to began it with.
BUMP THE LAMP. God will pour into your cup until it runs over. But you have to make the choice despite your feelings first. If you will choose with me to bump the lamp today comment 💡!