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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.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Kill Two Birds with One Stone

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Kill Two Birds with One Stone-eagle among rocksI have heard people say they kill two birds with one stone all my life. The picture in my mind bothers me.

However, the phrase is easy to understand and remember.

If we kill two birds with one stone, we accomplish two tasks with one action.

We use our resources well. We also save time. Most people today call this multitasking or wise time management.

In this picture, I was able to kill two birds with one stone.

  • I took my first picture of an eagle. (He stands in the center. I did not zoom fast enough.)
  • I enjoyed the beauty of the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.

We also kill two birds with one stone if we:

  • Prepare dinner while we listen to the news.
  • Pay bills while we wait for appointments.
  • Visit friends while we attend a meeting in their city.

Sometimes we need to focus on only one task at a time.

Never try to kill two birds with one stone by:

  • Texting while driving (That may kill us instead of birds.)
  • Using dangerous tools while holding a child (Never, never, never do this. Enough said.)
  • Checking our phone while a loved one talks to us (That may kill a relationship.)

Focus on what is most important. Keep first things first.

“Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done” (Galatians 6:4 TLB).

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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