Commitment

            The primary definition of “commitment” in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary has to do with being put in prison.  So the definition in question has to do with being fully involved, being stuck with the thing you have promised to do.  Commitment is in many ways like going to prison.  You can’t get out of it.  The difference is, in real life we think that we have the option of getting out, which poses many problems.  The task at hand, however, is for me to examine someone whom I have seen to demonstrate excellent commitment.

            The first example of a person I know who shows great commitment is my Uncle Daryl in his commitment to my Aunt Janell.  Even when I was little, I could see this demonstrated between them every time we saw them, and in every way.  For one thing, I have always observed as steadfast stream of love flowing out of him to his wife.  In all sorts of visible ways, he show his love for Janell for her to feel and all to see.  Not that he’s showing off.  The sincerity of it assures me that it goes on just as much when they are at home by themselves as when the whole family is there for Thanksgiving.  And not only is this demonstrated by his words, but also by his actions, in his serving of her, providing for her, and for his family in general.  His commitment to his marriage and family, and his love for his wife, is summed up in a story which occurred perhaps eight years ago or more, and I shall not likely forget.

            My grandmother’s car was busted—the starter didn’t work.  She once counted thirty-two times that she tried to start it before it finally did.  So Daryl fixed it for her.  “So how much do I owe you,” said Grandma, “for parts and labor, y’know?”  And Daryl replied something to the effect, “Oh, you already paid me.  You let me marry your daughter.”  Of course this is after they’ve been married over twenty years and their kids are grown up.  I hope someday to emulate that quality in my own marriage.