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Tag: responsibility

Bell the Cat

Bell the Cat

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Bell the Cat: Cat with bell around neck“Somebody ought to do something.” We often say that about a hard job nobody wants to do. No one wants to bell the cat.

To bell the cat means to perform a difficult task.

We take responsibility and do what needs to be done. It may be risky or dangerous. At times, the job may seem or be impossible.

This expression comes from a fable.

Mice were scared of a cat and did not know what to do. They met to discuss the situation, as portrayed in this cartoon. One mouse suggested putting a bell around the cat’s neck, so they could hear the cat coming. They would be saved by the bell. However, when asked who would bell the cat, no one wanted to tackle such a dangerous job.

The fable teaches that a plan serves no purpose if it is impossible or no one does it. Many tasks are easier said than done.

We give thanks for people who bell the cat.

They see the risks but do their jobs anyway.

  • Firefighters who enter burning buildings
  • Police officers who run toward, instead of away from, danger
  • Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who risk illness to keep us healthy
  • Utility workers who do their jobs in the worst weather to provide electricity, phones, and other services

What about us? Are we ready to do what needs to be done, including jobs no one else wants to do?

God calls each of us. Sometimes our work is easy and sometimes hard. Whatever the task, how will we respond?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV).

Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss

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A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss--a stream running between mossy rocksA rolling stone gathers no moss is more than a proverb. It is a fact. Moss grows slowly, and it does not grow well if moved. No moss grows on a rolling stone.

This proverb has a long history and two possible meanings.

  1. The most common meaning: A person who does not stay in one place (a rolling stone) has little success. He never grows (gathers moss) anywhere. The person:
  • Keeps changing jobs or where he lives
  • Owns little or nothing
  • Does not like responsibility

Therefore, we cannot depend on that person, because he:

  • May be gone when we need him
  • Gets nothing done
  1. Another possible meaning for a rolling stone gathers no moss: The ideas of a person who moves around (a rolling stone) do not grow old (gather moss). That person:
  • Finds new ideas
  • Becomes more creative

For him, gathering moss is like spinning his wheels.  He does something but feels like he gets nowhere. Therefore, movement keeps him fresh.

Perhaps we can find truth in both meanings.

We need to:

  • Accept responsibility
  • Stay useful

 At the same time, we want to:

  • Explore new ideas
  • Find better ways to do what needs to be done

Some of us find success in the same place doing the same thing – gathering moss. Others of us do better as a rolling stone – exploring different places and activities.

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion.

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Bear Our Cross

Bear Our Cross

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Bear Our Cross: a cross with crown of thornsTo bear our cross means to carry a burden.

Similar expressions include:

  • Carry our cross
  • Cross to bear
  • Cross to carry

All mean we live with difficulty. We often carry our burden alone.

Burdens or responsibilities may include:

  • Illness
  • Financial problems
  • Difficult relationships

We may sometimes joke about small burdens, such as:

  • Chores we don’t like (for example, cooking and cleaning)
  • Busybody neighbors
  • Active children

To bear our cross comes from the Bible.

Before Jesus was crucified, soldiers beat Him. Then Jesus had to carry His cross. When Jesus became too weak, soldiers forced another man to carry Jesus’ cross for Him.

Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He loves us that much.

Yet, after three days, Jesus rose from the dead. He won the battle against sin and death. If we accept Jesus as Savior, He forgives our sins and promises us eternal life. He gives us a fresh start. That is the promise of Easter.

Jesus told His followers to count the cost and take up our cross.

That means we:

  • Choose Jesus above everything.
  • Give God control of our lives.
  • Follow God’s will wherever that leads and whatever the cost.

Taking up our cross for Jesus is not always easy. It is always worth it.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

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As Good as Their Word

As Good as Their Word

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As Good as Their WordYears ago, people made many business deals with a handshake.

They were as good as their word. Their word — what they said — required no paperwork. They signed no contract. They hired no lawyer.

Everyone knew who was as good as their word. One of the greatest compliments was to be called an honest person.

Our world today has grown complicated.

Almost everyone uses contracts. Courts stay busy because people break contracts. Many people look for legal ways to avoid their responsibilities. Sometimes they get caught red-handed

Let’s win trust back.

  • Instead of avoiding the truth, let’s honor our word.
  • Instead of making excuses for our actions, let’s apologize when wrong.
  • Instead of helping only ourselves, let’s help one another.

We still have people as good as their word. Let’s join them.

Together we can:

  • Rebuild trust in one another.
  • Earn honest reputations.
  • Serve as positive examples for children and youth.

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).

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From Here to Timbuktu

From Here to Timbuktu

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From Here to TimbuktuFor a long time I thought Timbuktu was just a funny sounding name that symbolized any distant place.

If I wanted to tell someone how hard it was to get somewhere, I said it was like going from here to Timbuktu. That’s a lot farther than from here to yonder.

Imagine my surprise when I learned Timbuktu actually exists.

I also learned this town in Mali, West Africa is not the farthest from my home. Neither is it the hardest to reach.

I still love the name. Timbuktu has a unique sound, don’t you think?

A few years ago, a niece told me she has a friend who worked in Mali. I had a Timbuktu connection!

As my knowledge of geography grew, so did my awareness of my worldwide responsibility.

Whether I live here (wherever here may be for me) or around the world, I am one with other citizens of earth. We are all creations of our mighty God.

What a joy to love my brothers and sisters from here to Timbuktu!

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV)

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We Reap What We Sow

We Reap What We Sow

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We Reap What We SowIf we sow (or plant) tomato seeds, we reap (or harvest) tomatoes. If we sow corn seeds, we reap corn. If we sow bean seeds, we reap beans. If we sow flower seeds, we reap flowers. Do you see a pattern here?

Logic tells us that we reap what we sow.

That truth applies to behavior as well as gardens.

  • If we study hard, we make better grades.
  • If we practice regularly, we improve our performance.
  • If we work well, we advance in our career.

As with most of life, exceptions occur.

We can’t guarantee that our flower seeds will sprout and grow. Bad weather, hungry animals, and other conditions may result in a poor crop year. However, we can be certain that flower seeds will produce flowers, not potatoes.

Neither can we guarantee that positive behavior will always result in positive responses. In general, however, we live with the consequences of the choices we make — we reap what we sow.

  • If we ignore the rules, we get in trouble.
  • If we follow the rules, we stay out of trouble.
  • If we frown at people, they frown back.
  • If we smile at people, they smile back.
  • If we focus on the temporary, we reap temporary rewards.
  • If we focus on the eternal, we reap eternal rewards.

Let’s sow good seed, not just for our own sake but also for the sake of others.

Remember, whether beans or behavior, we reap what we sow.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7 NIV).

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