Following Through

Over the past few days, I've been so disappointed. Why? Because of folks that say they will do something, and then don't. No courtesy call, nothing. Did they fall off the edge of the earth? No.
Hmmm. How hard is it to call and say you can't make it, or better yet, don't promise something that you have no intention of doing? The preparation that goes into a meeting, or someone coming over, that shouldn't be ignored.
I've recently been told that this happens not only in the private sector, but also in business. Employers are actually looking for people that will do what they say they will do. I heard one say, "If I could just get folks to come in on time." Seriously? How is it that this person is still employed?
Really? In this economy, there are folks that don't have a job, that need a job, that can't find a job. And now I'm told that there are individuals out there that don't have the morals to give their "employer" the due time they are paying for? Wow!
As a parent, I try to shelter the boys from other folks "inadequacies". (I'm good at excusing bad behavior for others). We all have bad days, right? I mean, I'm no saint, and don't claim to be. However, I will call someone if I'm going to be late, I will leave early for an appointment just to help me make it on time.
The boys as most kids, are able to point out the "character flaws" all on their own.
For instance, I had a birthday this weekend. No biggie. Part of that time was to be spent with some friends. Well, seems that one friend was going to be stopping by the house with a gift, and wanted to spend some time with me. Yay! I was excited and ready to hang out. What happened? You guessed it.. no show. I call, and she has decided that she is out and about. I can see her if I want to come out and shop too.
My middle schooler says," Mom you know how she is, we never know if she will come or not, EVER!" He happens to care if she comes, as he is best buds with her son. IF she comes, so does he and the happiness begins. There have been numerous occassions where those two (boys) were to get together, just for them to never show up. When called on it, there were a million excuses, if I can get her on the phone.. Since this has become an occurance, we just call it ____(insert her name) time. Meaning... Tell her something starts at about 30ish minutes before it does so she will only be an hour or so late..or you have a better chance of winning the lottery than actually getting her to show up or do what she said she would do. Or meaning that she is obviously in her own time zone, as the one she said she would meet me in is out of her area of service apparently! hmmm.
I think the boys are learning this lesson. We are desperately trying to show them how hurtful that can be. How valued folks are - that are dependable! When following through, keeping up with the words you proclaim, lets folks know what is important to them. Your busines,your friendship, your time.