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We know that one of the traits of the believer is thathe/she keeps
promises. And we tend to think of that in terms of keeping promises to
others: family members, friends, business partners, etc.
But what about the promises we make to ourselves? Aren't those worth
keeping as well? Don't we all promise ourselves when we're young that
we will do something exciting and important in life? Don't we grow up
convinced that wewill change the world in some way? Aren't we sure
that we will do exciting things like climb a mountain, help the poor,
orsave people's lives somehow?
Why do we give up those dreams? They are not impossible. They are
achievable! Many people do such things. Many people do change the
world, help the poor, save people's lives, climb mountains, fly
planes, see the world… so why not us?What one person has done,another
can do.
And when we're older, don't we promise ourselvesfrom time to time that
we will get in shape, learn a new language, go back to school, write a
book, travel,memorize surahs from the Quran, and more? Aren't those
promises worth keeping? Don't we owe that to ourselves, as believers
and as human beings?
My goal here is not to guilt you, but to inspire you. Those dreams of
your youth, and those promises you've made to yourself, are within
your grasp. Maybe not all of them, but some of them. Or for now, how
about one of them. Start with that, and I will too, Insha'Allah.
Footnote: One year after writing the article above, I achieved one of
my lifelong dreams: at the ageof 46, I got a black belt in martial
arts. I started martial arts when I was 14 and I practiced on and off,
but I moved around so much that I never stayed inone place long enough
to graduate to black belt. Some might say that getting it at 46 is
very late. Maybe so, but I did it. Otherdreams of mine: to
publishseveral books, make a documentary film, get a master's degree,
travel through Africa, go cave exploring… Why not? It's never too
late, Insha'Allah, for me or for you.
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