On a very cold night, a rich man and an elderly person who was living on the streets would meet by chance and build a strong bond. The rich man asked the old man, “Aren’t you cold without a winter coat?” because he was worried about his health. It was moving of the old man to say, “I’m used to it.”
The rich man was moved by what the man said and promised to get a warm coat from his house. As he waited, the old man’s face lit up with hope. But the rich man broke his word, and the harsh reality of the night did him in.
When the rich man woke up the next morning, he found the old man dead from the cold. There was a note from the heart that said, “When I had nothing, I found strength to endure.” But your word gave me hope, and when it wasn’t kept, I gave up trying to fight.”
This terrible event is a strong reminder: be careful with the promises you make, because they may be very important to other people. As that terrible night showed, breaking a promise can have terrible results.
