The Voice of Laura Chase

One thing I’ve learned through posting things on Craigslist…is that people do not keep their word anymore.  We’ve put several things up for sale over the last couple of years, and before the item is sold, we experience the frustration of having a few “no-shows”.

These *ahem* lovely people, set up a time to meet you at your house to look at the item of interest and/or try it out.  The problem is is that most do not show up, or they say they want it and “will be back at 6pm to pick it up”.  Some never return, and we end up having to rearrange our schedules again for the next person on the list.

This is truly a life lesson that stares me right in the face.  Do others consider me a “no-show” in their lives?  Do I ever give my word on something, say I’ll do something or be somewhere and end up not doing it or not showing up?   Can people take me at my word, or am I “consistent in my inconsistancy” (as we do say of someone we know very well but can’t trust).   It’s frustrating for other people to know that you can’t be counted on.  Not only is your word as good as a pile of mud, but no one can recommend you as a trustworthy source. 

It takes me back to a verse that my parents pounded into me over and over while I was growing up.  “Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no,” and “You are only as good as your word.”  I was required to keep appointments and promises if I made them.  Sometimes I missed out on more exciting things that I REALLY wanted to do, because I had already given my word to do something else. However, people always knew they could count on us to be there and to show up!   Because of this, we have taught our daughter to do the same.  She has time and time again witnessed the power of keeping your word, and the frustration of others messing up her plans…she’s decided she does not want to be seen or known and the latter.

So, I’ve decided, the next time I put something up on Craigslist to sell, I will simply ask them if they are as good as their word to show up if they say they will. 

Then I’ll ask them to mentally “Spit and Shake on it”  to seal the deal!   That oughta stick with ‘em!