graphic: Martha G. Brady
Not long ago I was challenged regarding the use of the word “try.”
I always thought of it as something positive when someone said
They would try to do something, like changing a habit.
But I realized that trying to do something
Doesn’t get it done anymore effectively than actually doing it!
I realized that trying to do something doesn't get it done anymore effectively than actually doing it! Share on XThe challenge I was given was to think about
How I use the word.
Do I use it as a way to delay confrontation?
Or postpone saying, “No, that is a change I don’t want to make.
I won’t do it.”
But instead I say, “I’ll try to do it.”
When I have no real plan to try it at all!
I don’t want to do it.
I know it will be difficult at best!
I may give it a half-hearted attempt,
But for the most part I don’t want to do it.
I don’t plan to do it.
Apart from GOD’s intervention, I will not do it! stop
So, the next time I hear the word “try” come off my lips…
I will need to discern.
Am I tossing it in as a caveat to remove responsibility from myself.
Or to take pressure off myself to keep from changing?
Then “try” is a word I shouldn’t use.
A way to discern your use of try is whether you have made a plan for step one of change…more than simply to pray about it.
~~~~~~
I certainly don’t minimize the power of prayer in any sense. But I have also seen the term “I’ll pray about it” used in the same way as “I’ll try” is used.
If it is obvious change is needed, for example, a broken relationship, steps toward repairing it need to be taken. Prayer goes hand in hand for sure, but action steps need to be taken. Some of them involve my humbling myself. For more concrete help, go here.
Great questions to ask! It’s so easy to use the word “try” to take the responsibility of doing off. I, too, am more thoughtful before using “try” because I might lean a little toward using “try” as my way of not planning to succeed.
Thank you for adding “plan” into the equation.
Thank you for visiting me.
whoops! i just saw you here cheryl:) i had never tho’t of how i often used that word either until i was confronted with it awhile back. it surprised me until i tho’t about it. changed me for sure! i hear it used this way often regarding dieting…even out of my own lips!
I “will” guard that word and use it only when necessary! This was a great reminder!! Thank you! Thankful I visited from #FellowshipFriday!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
thanks for stopping by lori:) glad my words were helpful. blessings to you as well.
bless you dear.
thanks denise:)
Hi, I’m visiting from FMF (#32). This is challenging… I think I do use the word “try” in this way sometimes- usually when someone is asking me to do something difficult or which I don’t want to do, and, as you say, I may make a half-hearted attempt but not really have any intention of doing it. Thanks for making me think about this.
Thanks Carly. I’m always glad when a person reads something here that they find to be challenging. Blessings as the Spirit makes it concrete and applies it to your life:)
I’m your FMF neighbor! Interesting way to think about the word “try.” I will have to think about this each time I use it. Thanks for your insight! Have an awesome weekend!
I realize it is one of many ways the word is used of course. This is simply the way I was challenged about it recently…and the challenge hit the mark:(