One Powerful Word: Commitment

Part 1

I have chosen to focus on the word commitment for the years 2013. This word is especially meaningful to me. On May 18th, David and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary! To have been married for that many years requires commitment … a determination to work alongside, to remain patient, to encourage, to be forgiving, to be supportive, to remain loyal in action and thought. It is a commitment not only to each other, but also to the Lord and His guidelines for marriage.

Isn’t this a word necessary in most of our life’s walk? Even young children learn to stay focused on a task.  Almost everything we do requires commitment. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the word as it is found in the thesaurus.

com-mit-ment,  /kəˈmitmənt/, noun

1. commitment

• the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose; example: “He is a man of energy and commitment”
• a form of investment – the commitment of something other than money (time, energy, or effort) to a project with the expectation of some worthwhile result

2. commitment

• the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; allegiance, loyalty, dedication
• consecration – a solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose to a service or a goal
• devotion – commitment to some purpose

 

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar

“Your commitments can develop you or destroy you, but either way, they will define you.” Rick Warren

This word and I go way back! My parents were firm believers in staying true to a task in order to see it’s completion. I was reminded “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might…” Ecclesiastes 9:10.

Join me later in Part 2, where I’ll talk about my history and my challenges with this powerful three syllable word!