April 25, 2012
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Commitment
Commitment is a word that can spark fear as it rolls off the tongue or as eyes read over it. A word that can be associated with an almost never ending series of “What Ifs”. Commitment is a word that attaches itself to other words such as trust, binding, contract, the end, vulnerable, life, love, respect, renewal, and I’m sure I could go on. Whatever words come to mind for you really depend on your outlook of commitment.
Everyone has been affected by commitment. Everyone has had a fear of commitment at some point in their life. Whether it was a romantic relationship, a friendship, an engagement, a contract, or a relationship with Christ. Most want to know what it will cost them. It is a valid question. How much time, money, effort, and self will I have to give? When you really think about it just how much of yourself you’re willing to give is probably a good wager of how much you will get back. With any relationship (and I am talking about a deeper more intimate kind of relationship)vulnerability, trust, time, and respect are requirements.
If the word commitment makes us gasp for air or sends us into a frenzy of panic, we should definitely take the time to figure out why. Perhaps there is good reason. Perhaps it’s a good warning sign. Sometimes a person has burnt us one to many times. However, sometimes we have things we need to let go of and heal from. Trust can be rebuilt. Love can be renewed. Respect can be learned. Fear itself should never have a hold over us and no one should be able to rob us completely of love and vulnerability. We were made for connection.
I remember an episode of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer called Fear Itself. Everyone was so afraid of the fear demon that was going to manifest itself at some point in the episode. In the end it did and it was only a few inches tall. Who makes fear big?!
Never let fear get the best of you. If commitment scares you get to the core of why and face it, be honest. Work through it and heal. There are people and choices out there that are worth giving to.
Peace, love, & Jesus,
helmschick --out
