Commitment

Commitment means to pledge to do something.  Pledge means a solemn binding promise to do something.  Solemn means deeply earnest, serious and sober.

It is absolutely astonishing to me how easily some people will walk away from their responsibilities. 

I can think of nothing more important when it comes to one’s integrity than one’s word.  Promise, commitment.  Our instant society and fast-paced busy lives has taken the focus off of what is really important in my opinion.  Your word is your bond, or at least it should be.  Unfortunately we make it too easy to start over and get out of binding agreements we have made. 

Being a parent, just like being a spouse requires a commitment.  A serious commitment.  Many people are not cut out for this, yet they enter into the role of spouse and parent anyway.  Why?  Tradition?  Everyone else does it?  Whatever the reasons, this poor decision making lowers the standard for our society as a whole.

Many people are cut out for commitment.  Many people are able to honor the promises they make and live satisfying lives of integrity.  Statistics don’t paint a realistic picture all the time.  For example, if you say statistically if you marry you have a 50% chance (or so) of getting divorced, that’s not really true.  Some people have a 100% chance of getting divorced, because they can’t make a commitment and honor it.  Other people have a 0% chance, and live out their lives happily married.  The people who get married and divorced multiple times skew the stats, and when you lump all people together, you get the 50% number.  It’s not reality though, and our younger people should not be focusing on easy ways out of situations they willingly entered into.

People should focus on discipline, honor and keeping promises.  Making good choices in the beginning and entering into promises with careful forethought would certainly help.  The instant gratification we crave often outweighs our good sense and judgement.  Be a person of quality, one that is thoughtful and wise.  Take the time to really pre-plan your most important life decisions. 

Being a Dad requires this of you.  You need to become a real man now, and your precious child is counting on you to do so.