Promises

Sometimes, actually most of the time, the unbelievable is truly not believable.  Whatever the story, it is completely, utterly, and thoroughly false.  It may seem fantastic, in reality it is a mirage.  It may seem credible, yet it is a deck of cards stacked precariously, ready to fall.  It may even seem possible; in the present it isn’t.  Promises often fall into this category.  Good intentions or otherwise, committed or dreaming, honest or sly, the simple reality lies is the fact many promises are broken even as they are being made. 
 
If you walk the streets of any big city you will find promises floating with casual flair.  Come, be happy; destruction waits in open arms.  Great buy; it all yours; you can sense it was never theirs to give.  Original, genuine, and authentic; yet it was made with sweat labor in a back alley a few blocks from here.  Everyone and more a promise unfulfilled even as it is being offered.
 
There are those who make promises with good intentions.  Examples include promises to return to relationship, the willingness to give up something bad, and even the promise to go into a legitimate role.  Yet buried within each is the reality most of us are unwilling to confront.  Facing the truth of our words is far harder than most admit.  It is as if the lies sustain our existence, pamper our hope, and nurture our dreams. 
 
In Jesus days the myths within were as alive then as they are now.  Even as Peter made yet another rash promise, Jesus confronted him with reality.  “Really?  You'll lay down your life for me?  The truth is that before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times.”  (John 13.38) 
 
I wonder if I am willing to confront the blues of my soul.  Can I see and reflect on pure reality?  Will I see myself for whom and what I am; as well as how Divinity sees me?  The opportunity is here today for you and me – to see and feel God’s embrace, to know we are Divinity’s children.