Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: New Year (05/09/05)
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TITLE: Seven Promises | Previous Challenge Entry
By Robert Bronkhorst
05/14/05 -
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"This will be my last one," London said. His voice was filled with conviction as he spoke.
"For the night?"
"No," he said. "Forever."
The bartender opened the bottle, then set it down in front of him, "If I had a dollar every time someone said that, I could own my own private island and retire there."
Maxwell paid the tab, then laid the change on the bar, "Not this time," he said.
"That’s what they all say," the bartender replied. "Especially tonight."
It was New Years Eve, a night famous for making promises. Unfortunately, the next day is New Years Day, which is a day known for breaking those same promises. The bartender looked over the room and knew that it was filled with empty promises. He knew how remorseful people get and that they think that a new year will somehow make all that go away. It takes more than words and good intentions to accomplish that.
Maxwell London looked up at the bartender, "This time," he said, "I mean it."
The bartender gave him a pleasant smile, "Good luck," he said.
Maxwell made a vow to himself that he would change his life. He knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but he would be up for the task. He was tired of being a servant to all the evils that have caused hardship in his life.
Because of his unfaithfulness, the woman that he had been married to for five wonderful years had left him.
Because of his temper, his fists did the talking to those he didn’t agree with. He had spent three days in the hospital, and six months in jail.
Because of his self-centeredness, he talked about himself and his accomplishments. The friends he had worked so hard to make had abandoned him.
Because of his over-indulgence, he dined in the finest restaurants, drank the sweetest wine, smoked the best cigars and found the best parties.
Because of his procrastination, he stayed sedate and motionless. His good health was beginning to fade, but his waistline wasn’t.
Because of his desire, he lived in a palace and had the best things money could buy. The hefty bank account he had had vanished, leaving a mound of debt that will outlive him.
Because of his self-pity, he blamed society for his misfortune and ill-will. His positive attitude was replaced with despair and resentment.
The clock read 11:30, Maxwell finished his drink, then called a cab. It was time for him to leave this place and his old life behind him. It was his chance to start anew, and a chance to make good on all those promises he made to himself. It was time to reclaim all that was lost. It would be a New Years Resolution. It would be seven promises that he plans to keep. He owed it to everyone…More importantly, he owed it to himself.
Tomorrow, he will call his wife and ask for forgiveness.
Tomorrow, he will be more tolerant to others.
Tomorrow, he will reconnect with his friends.
Tomorrow, he will consume less.
Tomorrow he will start to exercise.
Tomorrow he will pay off his debts.
Tomorrow, he will take responsibility for his own life.
Maxwell London kept his word, he didn’t break his resolutions. He stayed true to those seven promises.
Today, he’s a loving husband.
Today, he shows compassion.
Today, he listens to his friends.
Today, he shows restraint.
Today, he is healthy.
Today, he is humble.
Today, he is a better person.
Lust, Wrath, Pride, Gluttony, Sloth, Greed and Envy left him that day, and he has no intention of letting them return.
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