Uniquely

“Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future. [A way of] making it predictable and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible.” (Hannah Arendt)

You’ve either seen it in a movie (or heard it in real-life). A parent makes a guarantee to a child similar to “I promise I’ll be back soon.” The parent dies, and never returns to their child. Though the parent did not intend for this to happen, the promise they is broken.

I have my own personal example from June 24, 1978. My younger siblings (Kim-13 and Jim-11) and I (14) had no idea when we last saw my father (after doing our paper route) that the antique auction he was going to some distance away would never happen for him. Before he reached his destination, a car accident would take his life. Whether he said the above words or not, my siblings and mother were under the impression we would see him safely at home later that evening. That one event made changes in my family that we may never be fully aware of (even today).

It’s always best to start a promise with something like, “I will do my best to…” Chances are good that you will be able to fulfill a promise you make, but what happens if something happens beyond you control? It’s embarrassing to have to apologize for a promise made (especially to young children). Some people don’t understand that life can be full of broken promises.

Proverbs 27:1 (TPT) says this:  Never brag about the plans you have for tomorrow, for you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring to you. I would add to this verse you have no idea what could happen five minutes from now when you walk outside for fresh air. Your heavenly Father knows how the rest of your life will go. It’s reassuring to know He has it all planned out. God also is aware of when your life will come to an end (as He figures your work on Earth is finally done). Be confident of what Philippians 1:6 (VOICE) states about your life in this world. I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world.