"We are not saints but we have kept our appointment how many people can boast as much"

The heart of this quote lies in the idea that perfection isn’t the goal—showing up and doing our part is. It’s about acknowledging our flaws, yet still making the effort to fulfill our commitments. It's a nod to the fact that, despite our imperfections, just being there and doing what we said we would do is something special, something not everyone can claim.

Imagine a world where everyone tried to be perfect. Sounds exhausting, right? The truth is, no one is perfect. We all have our moments of failure, self-doubt, and mistakes. But showing up despite these flaws—that's powerful. It means you're reliable, dedicated, and true to your word. And how many people can genuinely say that they always show up when it matters? Not as many as you might think.

This quote can be tied to a historical context. Think about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The organization doesn't expect its members to be saints. Instead, it encourages them to keep their commitments—like showing up to meetings. Attending those meetings regularly can be a lifeline and a testament to their commitment to recovery. Despite their struggles, they keep their appointments. And that consistency plays a huge role in their journey to sobriety.

Let’s dive into a practical example. Picture a single mom juggling a job, kids, and night classes. She’s not perfect—sometimes dinner is takeout, and laundry piles up. But she shows up. She makes it to her job every day, helps her kids with their homework, and attends her classes. She might not have everything in perfect order, but her dedication is unwavering. That’s admirable because it’s real and authentic.

So how can you apply this in your life? Simple: don’t wait for perfection. If you’ve made a commitment, stick to it. Show up for that friend when you said you would. Attend that meeting you promised to join. It’s not about being flawless. It’s about being reliable. People will value that much more than any semblance of perfection you might be trying to project.

Here’s a little story to bring it all home. Think about a guy named Joe. Joe’s not the most organized person—sometimes he’s a bit late, and his desk is always a mess. But when his friend was going through a tough time, Joe was there. He didn’t have all the answers, and he certainly wasn’t perfect. But he showed up. He listened. He kept his promise to be there. And in the end, that meant the world to his friend.

So, remember, we’re all just human. We mess up, we fall short, but it’s our effort and commitment that set us apart. Perfection isn’t attainable, but showing up is. And that’s something to be proud of.