We thought we would help a neighbor out. He's young, in his 20's, has had his share of troubles, in life, and also in childhood. He moved in next door about a year ago with his mom. After meeting him we realized that even though he looked rough around the edges, he was genuinely a nice guy.
Our yard needed some major tree trimming work. It was the perfect opportunity for any young man to make some good cash. Rather then hiring a professional tree trimming service we decided to help a neighbor out. He was jobless and living with his mom, surely he could use the extra cash.
He agreed to work on our yard. He would show up the following day and knock out most of the trees. It would take him about 2 days and we would pay him about 500 to 700 dollars. It was significant work, especially for one person, we were looking forward to blessing him.
The next day comes, no one shows up all morning, no one in the afternoon, then finally about 5 pm he knocks on the door groggy eyed and said he had allergies. He would work on the yard the next day, he claimed.
The next day rolls around. Nothing all morning, nothing in the afternoon, then about 4 or 5 pm we finally heard the chain saw. He was finally working.
This same routine went on for about 2 weeks. What started out to be a two day job turned into 2 weeks of little work, filled with excuses and no communication.
We still have not paid him because he doesn't have a cell phone and doesn't seem to understand the art of communication, or...keeping his word.
A mentor once told me, in todays society many people do not understnad the meaning of "keeping your word". He said that there was a time that men of integrity would risk their lives rather then breaking their word.
Something happens psychologically to a person when they break their word.
Not only do they lose credibility with the other party, they are tearing down their own self esteem, one broken promise at a time. This will affect every future decision and career opportunities.
As we are raising our 13 year son, we realize that there are some principles that he needs to learn early on. Lessons that will help his career, or crush it if not applied.
It's the simple principle of keeping your word. It may seem unimportant or insignificant at the time. But is one that will serve one well in life, career and family.
