A picture between mother and child wordlessly said it all.
“I love you and promise to always protect and support you.”
“I trust you and your promise.”
Promises come in many forms. Warranties, covenants, oaths, commitments, written forms of intent, and guarantees are just the beginning. Verbal, written, expressed, and implied capture some of the ways they are documented. The first step is an offer or gift of a promise. The value of a promises is squandered if it is not accepted.
I find myself reflecting on mother and child along with mentor/mentee and the role promises play in every relationship. Examples include the psalmist’s record, “God gave David his word, he won’t back out on this promise: ‘One of your sons I will set on your throne.’” (Psalm 132.11). In context, there are several reminders which I find myself keeping close to my heart.
In every relationship there is a form of promise, often multiple forms. The idea that relationships emerge and continue without any promises between those involved is a myth. Experience reminds me of the duty of care I have with the promises attached to the relationships I have in life. Without attention and care, relationships eventually fade to a point of no longer existing.
Promises grow stronger as they are affirmed through experience over time. One’s choices and behaviors will either reinforce a promise or bring a promise and acceptance into question. When a promise is at the core of a relationship, a single bad choice of word or action can easily destroy the promise and all which came with it.
Accepting and acting on a promise are expressions of trust. When business relationships where trust is not enforceable, there is a natural response to document. Experience with Trade Finance has led me to see this as a tool which ensures the ability to hold the other accountable. In personal relationships, trust is direct. One gives it to another on acceptance. One affirms it by taking actions with the promise as a foundation.
I am thankful for those who trust my promises.
