Keeping Promises

I have broken quite a few promises in my life. I try not to, but sometimes it cannot be helped. This is why I do not commit when I do not think I can fulfill them. While it is very easy to say "yes" and cross my fingers behind my back so the one requesting can be quiet, it is a point of honor for me to follow through.

I hate not meeting a deadline. These instances are few and far between. When I miss those, it is mostly because I am dependent on someone else doing their part before I can proceed with mine. I also consider an appointment as a promise to meet with someone. Those I keep, and I honor the other party by being on time. If for some reason I am unable to show up, I call to reschedule. I expect the same consideration from others.

Then there are the important promises. I promised to love, honor, I am not sure about the obey part, my husband. He promised the same, also without the obey :-) It is almost 17 years so I guess we are doing pretty well. I promised to always put the welfare of my son first, to guide him through the pitfalls of life. It is reflected in every decision we make. I promised to raise him Catholic and to always give him the opportunity to be the best he can be. I promised to always give those I love the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong. I promised myself I would always speak out when silence meant acquiescence. I promised to be a good citizen when I pIedged allegiance to the United States of America.
There are also promises I extract. I ask for patience, understanding and always keeping the communication lines open from my husband. I have my son promise to always try and choose to do what is right. I have him promise to come to us after he has not. I ask him not to compound a mistake, to think before giving in to what feels good. I ask him to try and not give in to peer pressure. Just because everyone is doing it does not mean it is right. I also ask them both to never tell me I look fat.

Sometimes people take the liberty of making promises on my behalf. I have only one response for that, it is not printable. While I try to always come through, there are some promises that are impossible to keep. It is hard to love God above all, and to love thy neighbor as oneself. One can only keep trying.