Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Relationship Resolution


I talked with an old friend last night. I had not spoken with him in quite a while. I knew that he had gone through a lot of junk in his life this past year and I had prayed for him a few times, but I had not called or attempted to see him for months.

So last night I called. Glad I did.

He did not really spill it all out last night. I didn't ask him to. There was no need to really. I just told him I missed him, had been praying for him, and asked him what I could do to help him. He told me a little about what was going on and how he felt. I told him how sorry I was that life was so stinkin' bad for him and hoped that this year would be better. I told him that I genuinely meant it when I said I would help him if he needed it. He assured me that he knew that and appreciated it.

Before I got off the phone I made him a promise. I told him I would do better at keeping in touch. I told him I will continue to pray for him but would also make a better effort at calling and/or trying to have lunch or hang out sometime. Again, he was grateful and we said good bye.

So What?

There are people in our life who need us to make personal contact with them. Don't get so caught up in all the things you have going on that you miss an opportunity to show God's love to someone you love. Make this New Year's Resolution with me. I will do better at staying in touch with people in need.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4 NLT

6 comments:

Paul G said...

In the age of Twitter/Facebook/Texting this is uber important. Nothing beats real-time interaction.

Thanks Doug.

Doug said...

Too True. Got to have Face Time and not just Face Book.

Thanks PG

Arla said...

When you lose someone, it makes you realize just how important life and people and relationships are. Sometimes I think the most difficult people in our lives are the ones that need our attention the most. I hope to get better at building the bridges in difficult relationships.

Doug said...

Great observation Arla. We need to let people know now how we feel about them and not wait till it may be too late.

Jeff, Sarah, Lydia & Jack Henry said...

I loved this post! My relationship with my Dad is not the greatest ... and I've known for a long time that I need to work harder to fix it. Guess I just get tired of trying over and over again and it not changing things. This made me realize that no matter what, I've got to be the "bigger person" and keep trying. Have to show God's love no matter what! Thanks for making me think!

Doug said...

Wow! I am so glad God used that in your life. Thanks for sharing. I will pray with you as you seek to resolve the relationship!