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And How’s That Workin’ For You?

June 4, 2015 By Jean Wise

healthyspirituality.org

My Weight Watcher leader asked us to think about our journey to eating and living healthier. I have struggle with my weight all my life – I entered the world more than nine pounds and at one point just a few years ago topped 260#. Though I have lost quite a bit of weight, my long-term goal still taunts me from afar.
“And how’s that workin’ for you?” Karey asked as I thought about how I like to snack graze all day long, sipped an occasional wine (Weight Watchers does allow that!!) and skip my exercise. With my recent weight plateau, obviously, my current pattern of weight loss is NOT working at all.

I found this question invaded other aspects of my life.

My writing goals sit dormant and untouched since April. “How’s that workin’ for you?”  

My morning time of deepening contemplative prayer? Only occasionally. “How’s that workin’ for you?”

Those long-term projects to complete by March, April, May – ha! “How’s that workin’ for you?”

“How’s that workin’ for you?” dwells in the ink of my journal and forms my conversations with God. What do you want me to do with this lingering question, Lord? What is the wisdom in its words?

I listen. I hold its meaning. I play with its letters.

That question pokes at my pride and annoys my ego. Those words stir up my desire to fulfill my calling and to live how God wants me to live.

How do we answer that nagging voice of conscious when we know deep down it’s time to focus on the important stuff of life?

I can ignore the question.

      I can choose to reject its message.

             Or

                    I can take its needling pushing to inspire me to try once again.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is

to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

— John Pierpont Morg

We do have choices in life. Sometimes only a small amount of effort – one more tiny step, focusing on completing an objective – is all it takes to create a better response.

“And how’s that working for you?” – a provocative question to motivate us to become who God wants us to be.

What does that question stir up inside of you?

 

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    June 5, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    Someone gave me a Bible study guide of the gospels that takes a year to complete. I’m into Week 8, and in answer to your question, “How’s that working for you?” I’d have to say not so well. The studies are just not that thought-provoking or soul-touching for me. I’ve thought about quitting (much as I hate to give up on anything), but then think, What if it turns around and gets better next week? Well, I’m deciding: eight weeks is long enough! It’s not working! It’s time to move on and try another study! Thank you, Jean, for the little push I needed!

    • blankJean Wise says

      June 6, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      I laughed when I read this. I think 8 weeks is a good attempt and fair trial. Time to move on, Nancy!

  2. blankBeth says

    June 5, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I actually just wrote a post about a few ways I keep circling the same mountain and how God said, “You have circled that mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deut. 2:3

    The quote you shared pretty much said the same thing to me. Stop circling. Turn north. It’s that turning that is the next right choice. And it’s working A LOT better since I turned.

    So glad I stopped by today. The writing less has led to less blog reading but still trying to get around to those I really enjoy . . . which includes your lovely place here.

    Blessings.

    • blankJean Wise says

      June 6, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      HI Beth, That is a great Bible verse and one I didn’t think of before. wow. circling a mountain? even that holds meaning too. more to ponder. Thanks for your kind comments. Appreciate you stopping and leaving a comment

  3. blankCeil says

    June 5, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Hi Jean! Oh brother, does this speak to me or what? I am in a phase of my life where I feel like I’m just so darn busy, but have very little to show for it at the end of the day. ‘How’s that working for you?’ Well, it’s not.

    I’m not sure if it’s God slowing me down, or poor prioritizing. But as you said, I do have the choices, and I was just thinking today, I need to learn how to make better ones.
    You and I are the same with the weight thing. I did recently lose some (thank you broken leg), but struggle every day with keeping it off. (Heaven will be a welcome place!!)
    Weekend Blessings,
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      June 6, 2015 at 2:19 pm

      that question is quite a reality check isn’t it? I know I keep applying it to all the areas of my life. I don’t know if we have to always accomplishment something each day or just enjoy the time and joy in taking small steps too. But to keep spinning our wheels doesn’t get us anywhere. here to having a great weekend for both of us!

  4. blankMartha Orlando says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:09 am

    That question really made me sit back and think, Jean. “How IS that working for me?” Time to scrutinize what is and is not adding to my productiveness and faith walk. Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      June 4, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      I know, Martha, that question sure has lingered with me this week. I follow a blog that talks about subtracting what no longer works and fills space and time in our lives we could better use elsewhere. Hard to let go of some things but we can get weighed down by carrying all the burdens in life. keep thinking Martha!

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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