Rain Check
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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