Tough Guy Does a Jig

Tough Guy Does a Jig

His kid was going to have trouble getting through college. That made him not so different from his old man, who also had trouble getting through college. So, the old man made a deal with the boy. “If you graduate from college, I promise to God I’ll dance an Irish Jig on national television.” It wasn’t as far fetched as it sounded. The old man was an NFL referee.

After the son graduated college, the Bengals were scheduled to play. All week the new grad told his pals, “You got to watch the game with me on Saturday. My dad’s going to dance on the football field in the middle of the game.” In a sports bar, the large group of rowdy, happy grads gathered to watch.

The dad knew they were watching, and he knew what they expected of him. A promise was a promise, especially when made to God. During the game, he was trying hard to figure out the least embarrassing and most plausible way to dance a jig in front of football players, a crowded stadium, and a million viewers. As a play ended, a player rolled on the ground and hit the ref's ankle. Seizing the chance, the ref danced around as if hurt, but with movements that were unmistakably an Irish Jig. The sports bar erupted in cheers.

Promises can make us play the fool, but it’s the promise that matters, here, and in heaven.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, sometimes it is tough keeping promises to those we love, particularly if we promise You, too. Help us keep our promises, when we can. Amen.

Today’s Thought Is: Promises kept aren’t always remembered, but promises broken are never forgotten.