Promises Promises

At the coffee shop we met another Grand Parent that described her orders/instructions/want list from her granddaughter for Christmas. The list was long and detailed. The granddaughter is now 9 years old – same as our granddaughter Emma.

We laughed at the items on the list as Grandma described them. Now if Grandma wants to stay in her granddaughter’s good books she must fulfill the promises that are perceived to have been made. Quite a task when Grandma still doesn’t know what some of things are on the list. This particular Grandma is now researching some the items to find out what they actually do!

This is Christmas 2008 when promises are made, questions are asked and items demanded/requested of the Shopping Mall Santas that sit in big throne like chairs and listen to all the kids that come by to talk with them. The Mall Santa can make many promises – because we all know he is NOT THE SAME SANTA that delivers on Christmas Eve. The one on Christmas Eve is able to get down a Chimney and place the around the Christmas Tree. And if you don’t have a Tree or a Fireplace – somehow he gets in (that is called B&E in the court system and in jail – but that is another story for later).

I point to Santa, Parents and Grandparents – because of “promises”. We all make PROMISES. And with every promise there is at least one set of ears and eyes that will have great expectations. When a promise is made some one is expecting a promise to be kept.

Offering Promises… WOW – what a 2008 issue!

A promise is only as good as the person who makes it. Someone has observed: "America(and Canada) is always a land of promise during an election." The political candidate who promises jobs and a utopia but can't deliver; the bridegroom who promises lifelong commitment, then is unfaithful to his wife; the soldier who pledges loyalty to his country but goes AWOL--all demonstrate that promises can be empty.

A politician can make promises and someone else will have to deliver. He may well be voted out – but a promise made is expected to be kept – specially if it was a popular promise. When he doesn’t keep these promises his career is soon ended.

In the case of the couple getting married at the altar of the church – there are expectations with the promises they make on that special day.

A soldier is the same… he promises upon his swearing in ceremony to stand with his comrades – as if his life depends on it. Their lives do depend on his oath or solemn vow.

Now a days – when people walk away from the promise they make and the solemn vow that they take – they think nothing of it.

In every situation it is so sad when the promise is broken… if the solemn vow is broken – so what?. People lives are broken, people die because of it and the whole community suffers.

I have had this happen to me as well. I am sure that you have as well.

A man recently told me of a former boss that buttered him up with all kinds of promises. He had heard wonderful and even glowing reports of the new boss and the new work place. It wasn’t long until the “baloney wrapping” was off and my friend discovered that the promises made were just that – BALONEY. (for those from other countries reading that Canadian colloquial saying – Baloney is CHEAP MEAT).

This man’s life was changed as he believed in the Promises made… and then altered radically as the Promises were not kept.

I talked with the young wife of a young husband that left her and the kids. He couldn’t/wouldn’t keep his promises that he made a few years at that church altar in front of me. He was a jerk to say the least.

This Christmas is about Promises. A promise to love with an expression through a gift that is given. Now what happens when a gift is given – and a promise to love is not kept? It is very hollow.

There are so many stories and accounts that could be given. But I must stop here…

The single most important thing for me is this – I must keep my promises. It is my simple and single duty to keep a promise. That defines who I am and what I do from that moment on. Promises Promises – and then credibility.

Now the religious/preachy part. Guess who never breaks a promise? His name is big – just like he is… GOD.

He is not like a failed Santa Claus… or a broken politician… or dead beat dad or mom… or a very poor example of a boss that is a zero… that never delivers.

He is GOD and he keeps his promises.

He doesn’t always agree to all that I demand – but He enjoys me spending time with Him as I ask – even when the requests are selfish. Then he gives me what I really need…not what I really want.

Take a good look around you as promises are offered. Read the coupon books of life – and then check to see if the world around you offers you what they promise.

Next take a good look at your own promises. How are you doing? I hope you are better.

Now I have to get ready to complete three more Christmas presents today – I made a promise or two and I must get them done.

~ Murray Lincoln ~