A few weeks ago, I pulled my phone out of my purse and was surprised to see a voice mail from Beth, an old colleague and friend. We had worked together for many years, but as our career paths separated, we lost touch.
Whenever she would come to mind, I would think to myself, I need to call Beth. I miss her. But the time never seemed long enough, so I would push the call off.
I listened to her familiar raspy voice in the voice mail and smiled when she said, “My New Year’s Resolution for 2015 is to be a better friend. I am starting with the fiscal year and you are the first call I’m making.”
I loved this because:
a) starting a New Year’s Resolution with the fiscal year is SO Beth.
b) it reminded me that resolutions don’t have to start on January 1. In fact, the fiscal year seemed like a good time to start fresh.
c) friendship is something that can endure, even when long segments of time go by with little to no communication.
Beth’s simple voicemail made a huge impression on me. After returning her call, I reached out to another friend who I hadn’t talked to in a while and reconnected with her. I also sent cards to a few friends who were on my mind, and I became more intentional about writing cards in my fringe hours — a habit that had fallen to the wayside.
Also because of Beth’s voicemail, I have made my own set of resolutions. From making my bed each morning and getting back into the habit of praying first thing to goal-setting at work, June has been a month of renewed priorities. I embraced her idea of fiscal year resolutions and I’m starting fresh.
One simple voicemail created a positive domino effect in my life. Of course, it could have gone another way. I could have beaten myself up over being a “bad” friend and made a million excuses about why we hadn’t spoken in so long. But what good would that have done?
In Lamentations 3:22-23 it says:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.”
Like the Lord’s mercies, we need to be merciful with ourselves and love well.
Beth’s call reminded me of both of those truths.
Is there someone in your life that you could reach out to today? Or do you have a resolution that you can start today? Share about either — or both — in the comments. Let’s encourage one another!
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Jessica,
I like the thought that anytime is a good time to make a new resolution. Just as His mercies are new each morning, we can resolve with each new day to put the past mistakes behind us and embrace a different way of doing things…to live intentionally for that day. I love sending and receiving hand written cards and notes…I try to send/give one encouraging note every day. Some days I meet that goal, but on the days I don’t, I remind myself of His mercy and faithfulness. Thanks for this…
Blessings,
Bev
Every day?! You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing here.
Bev,
AMEN to putting past mistakes behind us. I tend to relive all my mistakes and hear “stupid, dumb, not good enough, not smart” which I know is a lie!! I need to do that a ton right now. It feels like I blew it, but in reality God knew all along that I would be in this situation. He will get me through!
So glad you send written cards–but daily? Wow that is great! Praying for you and your family!
Blessings 🙂
Beth,
Thanks for your prayers and praying that the enemy would flee and stop whispering those lies into your ear…xox
Thank you. I needed this. I tend to have a black and white thinking when it comes to resolutions.
I typically do as well. 🙂 Thankful for friends who do things differently.
I needed this today. I believe this post is going to create a domino effect in my life as well! 🙂 Thanks, Rebecca
Awesome!
This is so timely! I have had several of my friends on my mind for the past two days
They will be blessed by you reaching out.
I love this! The idea of creating resolutions any time during the year is so freeing. And, like the Lord’s mercies that He gives us every single morning, I can begin each new day fresh, a new start. Regardless of how yesterday went.
For me, there are always friends I can get in touch with. One has birthday coming up. I think I’ll send her a card today.
Great post!
I know your friend will appreciate it. I know I love birthday cards!
I really needed this! I have been telling myself for months and months to be a better friend. I am inspired anew to make that my resolution. God does work in mysterious ways….as my Mom would say 🙂
I’m so glad God used this post in your life.
Jessica,
I agree with Beth any time of year is good for making resolutions! My hubby and I have resolved to start losing weight next month. I resolve to become a better Christian and show the world God’s love & light! I plan to stop criticizing
myself over each and every mistake I make!
If God’s mercies are new each day then why can’t we begin each day with resolve to change bad habits into good!
Blessings 🙂