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Rain Check

Rain Check

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Rain Check--cat under umbrella at a ballpark

A friend recently offered to bring us a meal, an offer I never refuse! However, we had already cooked. Selfish me, I wanted my friend’s food too. What to do? I asked for a rain check.

A rain check means the promise of an offer later.

The person who made an original offer may extend it. Or the receiving person may request it.

A rain check may be formal or informal.

Formal written guarantees include:

  • Tickets or passes to postponed concerts or other special events
  • Store coupons for sold out sale items

Informal promises include:

  • Dinner invitations or other visits
  • Joint travel

This expression originated with rained out baseball games.

According to The Free Dictionary, the practice became common in the 1880s. If severe weather cancelled or ended a game early, tickets were issued for a future event. By the 1900s, the expression also applied to other events.

Rain or shine, always extend kindness.

Much that we do for one another does not depend on weather. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we can offer:

  • Love
  • Forgiveness
  • Encouragement

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love” (Colossians 2:2 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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Upon My Word of Honor

Upon My Word of Honor

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Upon My Word of Honor--2 older women dressed up with pursesWhen anything shocked my grandmother and her sister, they often declared, “Upon my word of honor!” Occasionally they shortened it to “Pon my word of honor!” or simply “My word!”

Sometimes their surprise came from love or admiration. Both enjoyed and grew flowers. An amazing new discovery led to clapped hands and words of approval.

Other times the same words expressed their disapproval. Unruly children might lead to, “Upon my word of honor! I can’t believe their parents let them get away with that.”

Upon my word of honor has two main meanings.

 My grandmother and great-aunt demonstrated one.

1. It expresses shock or surprise.

People can’t believe what they see or hear. It amazes them.

2. Upon my word of honor is also an oath or vow.

People promise or pledge to do something. That may be a formal pledge like an oath of office. It may also be an informal promise between friends or acquaintances. They mean they will do what they say. They vow they are telling the truth.

Why not always live an honest life rather than make promises?

If people know someone is as good as their word, they will not question what that person says or does. They trust them.

“Say just a simple ‘Yes, I will’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong. (Matthew 5:37 TLB).

Thanks to Jason Smith (and his Aunt Beulah who used this expression) for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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