Power, Love, and Self-Control: "I've Been Resting on my Laurels"

"I've Been Resting on my Laurels"

(Sung to tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad")

I've been resting on my laurels

Far too many days!

I've been resting on my laurels;

But I'm done with lazy ways.

So I got back to my work-out.

Now to plan my meals...

I've been resting on my laurels

But now I'm back to "real"!

Centuries ago, the Greeks crowned the victor in the Pythian Games with a wreath of laurels in the belief that laurels communicated the spirit of prophecy and poetry. (They also reportedly put laurel leaves under their pillows to acquire inspiration!) The laurel in modern times is a symbol of victory and peace and of excellence in literature and the arts.

The phrase "Rest on your laurels" refers to being so satisfied with past achievement that you make no effort to improve--to stop trying because of one's success or satisfaction with the past.

Well, I'm DONE with that! I've even been inspired to hijack the words to an old song to sing of my resolution and effort today!

Sing along, if you want!

8 comments:

Breathing In GraceJune 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM
I want to sing along, too!! I've been resting on my laurels too long myself!!!
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CindyJune 21, 2010 at 12:06 PM
I heard someone say once that when you rest on your laurels they wilt! Good thoughts for today.
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SusanJune 21, 2010 at 3:52 PM
Oh yeah, Rebecca. Resting on my laurels is not good. When I do that, they expand! Ha! Susan
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BernieJune 21, 2010 at 4:07 PM
Oh Rebecca so many of us grown lazy and rest on our laurels myself included.....a good reminder this post is my friend...:-) Hugs
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JessJune 22, 2010 at 7:29 AM
I'm with Susan, my laurels have expanded!
Sadly, I have only myself to blame and the forfeiting of a no-carb plan.
It's time to get back on track!
Your lyrics are GREAT...didn't know you were a song writer. Have a good week!
Blessings and ((HUGS))
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DonnaJune 22, 2010 at 8:56 AM
Great post - great comments! Brightened a very damp morning! You ladies are the best...hope your day is good, wherever you are.
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Covnitkepr1June 22, 2010 at 11:12 AM
I think my laurels need a rest...but then like I always say...I can rest when I die.
Thanks for the visit to my blog and for leaving your gracious comment. I'd like to invite you to follow it as well. I will also follow all your blogs through this one.
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DianaJune 22, 2010 at 3:46 PM
I've NOT been resting on my Laurels! I have been getting things accomplished around here! The heat here is horrible so had to stop for awhile.
I liked this post Rebecca, it was interesting to discover where the old saying came from.
Love Di ♥
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That Woman is a Success . . .
Found at itsnotaboutfood.blogspot.com

who loves life
and lives it to the fullest;

who has discovered and shared
the strengths and talents
that are uniquely her own;

who puts her best into each task
and leaves each situation
better than she found it;

who seeks and finds
that which is beautiful
in all people and all things;

whose heart is full of love
and warm with compassion;

who has found joy in living
and peace within herself.

~ Barbara J. Burrow ~

To which I add, "who makes God's kingdom and His righteousness her #1 priority"....(rlg)

"A day must come in our lives, as definite as the day of our conversion, when we give up all right to ourselves and submit to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. . . . there must be a day when, without reservation, we surrender everything to Him--ourselves, our families, our possessions, our business and our time. All we are and have becomes His, to be held henceforth entirely at His disposal. From that day we are no longer our own masters, but only stewards. Not until the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a settled thing in our hearts can the Holy Spirit really operate effectively in us. He cannot direct our lives effectively until all control of them is committed to Him. If we do not give Him absolute authority in our lives, He can be present, but He cannot be powerful. The power of the Spirit is stayed." (Watchman Nee)

"Each day you take a few small steps, then build on them day after day. There may be set backs, everyone has them, but those victories will add up, and then pretty soon you'll be amazed at how different your life has become. And what could be more alluring than the prospect of waking up to your best life? So roll up your sleeves and get to work!"

"Remember, every step you take toward reaching your weight loss goal is really a gift that you give to yourself. When you eat right and exercise, you are taking care of yourself, treating yourself with respect, and acknowledging that you deserve* to be healthy and happy.” (Bob Green, The Best Life)

Rebecca's note: I have trouble with "deserve". I want to care for my body because God Himself cares for it! Do I "deserve" health? No, in light of my sinful inclinations and the fall of mankind, health is a gift. A GRACE-gift directly from the hand of God--a gift to be handled thankfully and thoughtfully.

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"I've Been Resting on my Laurels"

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