Promises promises. A powerful word, often used to offer hope, assurance, and support. It can be in the form of a pledge that will generally do or accomplish something. When used in this context, keeps relationships alive and well. It gives us a reason for expecting future excellence, success, or progress. But when used back-to-back, there is despair in the air, and surly, trouble lay ahead. When used three times, your in deep do-do and something has to change...soon!
But what if we make a promise and end up having to break it? How does it make one feel? No doubt less trusting, and certainly raises a red flag. Relationships require a great deal of support and trust to grow and flourish. But too many broken promises in any kind of relationship can take its toll on the trust part which is vital. How many lies can one take before enough is enough? Lies? How is a broken promise a lie when it was an unintentional and uncontrollable that it occurred?
There is a great deal of pressure on people in varying degrees and circumstances which sometimes makes them promise things they can't deliver, or never intended to in the first place to buy time, get something they wanted, or avoid a consequence.
Here's a scenario. Suppose I do volunteer work and make a promise to do something. But then my son gets sick, the car breaks down, and the neighbor needs help with a problem too. There are too many things that interfere with plans that creep in and devour the time expected to fulfill the original promise. None the less, someone looses out. In fact, it's both the giver and receiver. The promiser's integrity is affected in a negative way and the receiver is let down by an expectation not being fulfilled. Will making it up another way be sufficient to satisfy everyone involved? That would depend on ones value system and coping abilities.
What if a job is demanding of your time? Too many hours. Not being able to work regular hours. Not being home every day. Are these all excuses or facts that should be better understood? I guess that is up to whom ever might be affected and their value system. But one should not make promises one can't keep. It takes discipline to know what to say and when.
On the other hand, is it better to make a promise with intent, or not make them at all? In some cases, promises are used to build enthusiasm, and encouragement in others. In my case, I want to make a difference in the lives of others in my spare time. Should one do what they can when they can, or just give up, ultimately growing in resentment, which then is manifested toward those who were to benefit by rearranging ones priorities and eliminating desires of the heart. Again, everyone looses in the end.
So what is the answer? Everyone needs to work this out differently because situations differ as does the importance we place on relationships and material things. Not to mention the time eaters. It's a matter of what one is willing to do and give up now for the future. As in all things in life, our choices can make or break us.
Never go to bed unless the day is resolved. Broken promises and letting others down will only prevent a good night sleep. Do what is need to fulfill every promise and only make promises which can be kept. And go after your dreams with all the passion that can be mustered in the time that's available.
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