How Now Frau Cow

Many years ago, I had a part-time job working for Weight Watchers®. Most of the people I met remain largely forgotten, save for one woman. Her name escapes me, though her stature, demeanor and commanding presence are unforgettable. As she approached my desk all those years ago, her size filled the room. She measured well over six feet tall. She is what a polite person might label, “big-boned.” The minute she opened her mouth to speak, her strong German heritage was undeniable.

Towering over me, she spoke with a rich, heavily accented voice. “I am on 9th hole preparing to tee up ball. As I bend over, I hear it … the sound. I spleeet my pants in front of friends! I am fat cow! Must lose weight now!” she said.

Biting my tongue, and stifling my laughter, I remained professional and walked her through the registration process. In my mind, I still see her outfitted in full golf attire, down to the shoes. Her message was clear. She needed change badly enough to drop what she was doing and seek immediate help.

My large German friend did well. She set a goal; followed through and never wavered. She made no excuses for her excess weight. She faithfully followed the program and returned every week until she lost sufficient weight to keep her golf shorts from future wardrobe malfunctions. At that point she said, “I lose the weight. Am no longer cow. Das is goot. I am done.”

If only everyone could be that committed to achieving their goals. You may be thinking about goal setting or self-improvement this year. Your goal might not be weight related, but perhaps you need to break a bad habit. Become more organized. Grow deeper in your relationship with God. Treat people nicer.

Each year at the start of a New Year, thousands of people resolve to make changes to improve their quality of life. Yet each year, there are more failures than success stories.

Change rarely happens automatically. Change requires adjustments to our lifestyle. I also believe that the more we include the Holy Spirit in our plans, the greater the possibility of our success.

Do you have a goal for the New Year? Have you been making excuses for why you can’t go forward?

Consider taking time to seek God. Ask Him if there’s anything you need to work on this year. As you pray, consider also, writing down your goals. Oftentimes, simply writing our goals out on paper is the catalyst that will move us forward.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. ~ Proverbs 16:3

I have a brand new prayer journal I’ve started writing in. I’m writing down my prayers as they arise; but I’m also writing down a few goals I’ve been procrastinating over for way too long. I’m excited to see God reveal His plans for me this year.

What will YOU commit to the Lord this year?

Are you a Frau Cow wanting to lose weight? Do you want to find a new job or go back to school? Finish a novel? Mend a broken relationship?

Set a goal … write it out … Pray it out … commit your plans to God and trust Him for results and success. You do YOUR part, let God do HIS part and, who knows … you might just get the change you seek.

Blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.