PROMISES

One of my dearest friends is a person who is so sweet and kind. Has the heart of an angel and truly a very loving person.

I totally cherish our relationship and the times we can enjoy each other's company. However, the one thing I do know with my friend is that there is a big gap between intentions and actions.

That doesn't mean the person intends to not do what was promised, merely that things always get in the way of desires. This is something I have learned to not take personal.

Now my life is fairly routine. So I normally don't have the occasion where I have to make a vow or promise that I can't keep.

So I have learned to slowly appreciate with the help of God's grace to accept when a person means well, but life intrudes on their desire. It is called learning the joys of compassion.

This has been a very difficult lesson for me. I tend to set my own compulsive and disciplined nature as yardstick. But not from the point of seeing myself as perfect.

More a matter of presuming that I am not special so anyone should be able to do what I do. And that is not really fair to others.

But I am learning. I have found myself able to slowly appreciate when the spirit truly is devoted to the will, still things intrude.

And to that end I do feel sad how long it took me to learn that lesson. There is a difference naturally from when a person wants to do something just gives up.

God knows the difference and I am grateful for how he has manage to guide me to appreciate his long suffering nature. I do also appreciate the rewards of faithfulness.

The may not appear that blessed at times. For they often don't come with big rewards. Just a certain quiet element to life.

I have seen many who are the kind who shine so bright, but often fade very quickly too. They look so promising for a while.

Only to get lost in the shadows when their light burns out. Such are the perils of glows that are consumed in their preoccupation.

But for the steady flame that burns regularly, just not that bright, sometimes the light lasts a lifetime. And that is the joy which can last forever.

One that shines right into eternity.