Many years ago, before children (which means MANY years ago), I got caught up in a telethon. Now I normally don't watch those, but it was late at night and I couldn't sleep. I listened and I watched, and then I reached for the phone. The person at the other end of the line asked for my information, and what I was willing to pledge. I answered, then hung up the phone, feeling good about what I had done.
But then it was 2 days, 3 days, and I wasn't feeling it so much any more. And then I forgot all about it.
Two weeks later, I received an envelope in the mail from the charity. I filed it with other 'need-to-do-soon' items.
Two more weeks passed, and I received a postcard in the mail. On it was a picture of a little girl - a SAD little girl with a tear running down one cheek. And the text read: "But you promised!"
The NERVE! The AUDACITY! The UNMITIGATED GALL of that charity!! Using unabashed sentimentality to throw a GUILT TRIP on me so that I would send them what I had promised to - oh, wait.......
So I wrote the check and sent it in, and learned a valuable lesson. Promises are not to be taken lightly. People and groups depend on them.
Sure, it was a marketing ploy. I wasn't born yesterday. But I HAD promised. And my pledge DID count in their total budget. However, what the lesson I took to heart is to be careful with my words and actions, because I need to be a woman of my word.
I mess up. Royally and often. But I strive to be careful what I promise. At work, at home, with friends, with church, and with God. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment - then life happens and intentions change. But we are all connected. And when we promise to show up, or give, or whatever it is we say we will do: to the best of our ability, we need to do it.
And 'not feeling it' anymore isn't a good excuse.
But then it was 2 days, 3 days, and I wasn't feeling it so much any more. And then I forgot all about it.
Two weeks later, I received an envelope in the mail from the charity. I filed it with other 'need-to-do-soon' items.
Two more weeks passed, and I received a postcard in the mail. On it was a picture of a little girl - a SAD little girl with a tear running down one cheek. And the text read: "But you promised!"
The NERVE! The AUDACITY! The UNMITIGATED GALL of that charity!! Using unabashed sentimentality to throw a GUILT TRIP on me so that I would send them what I had promised to - oh, wait.......
So I wrote the check and sent it in, and learned a valuable lesson. Promises are not to be taken lightly. People and groups depend on them.
Sure, it was a marketing ploy. I wasn't born yesterday. But I HAD promised. And my pledge DID count in their total budget. However, what the lesson I took to heart is to be careful with my words and actions, because I need to be a woman of my word.
I mess up. Royally and often. But I strive to be careful what I promise. At work, at home, with friends, with church, and with God. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment - then life happens and intentions change. But we are all connected. And when we promise to show up, or give, or whatever it is we say we will do: to the best of our ability, we need to do it.
And 'not feeling it' anymore isn't a good excuse.
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