5 Relationship Tools to Carry into 2018
Have any of your friendships been bruised in 2017? It’s been a tumultuous year. It’s uncovered differences we either were unaware of or that we had buried.
What are some practical steps we can take to recover relationships?
Here are five favorite relationship lessons from stories in 2017 that I want to carry into 2018.
1. Embrace the Page You’re On
I didn’t hear the actual sound. The gun shot. But I knew what it meant.
Another story ended? Or not?
2. Just Say You’re Sorry
Julie said, “I’m sorry” to Anna. She wasn’t supposed to. But when she did, I saw Jesus in her. I want to see more of Jesus in me.
Maybe I need to say “I’m sorry” more often.
3. Don’t Take This Personally
He was rude to me. I was offended.
Do we make life too much about us? Everyone is the star in their own movie. What if we didn’t take it personally?
4. Unfollow a Friend to Keep a Friend
Should I say something? My friend linked an article on Facebook that is the opposite of what I believe. Do these dilemmas happen to you, too?
If we get angry on Facebook, should we speak up? Or get off? Or just unfollow?
5. Assume the Best
It was definitely a bark. A dog in the library? No, it was a woman.
We rarely know the whole story. How can we learn to give others the benefit of the doubt? Five ways to assume the best.
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What did you learn in 2017? What do you want to do better in 2018? Please share your comments here.
All those posts are home runs. I read them again and they’re worth it. The wisdom in your posts just keep expanding, sister.
Your encouragement has blessed me for another year, Floyd. Thanks, brother. You’re a gem.
Great relationship tools, Lisa. It was good to revisit these sites. The one that especially resonates with me today is to embrace the page we’re on. To trust the Master Storyteller. I really need to be reminded of this as the new year approaches. Thank you for all your inspiring posts this year. Have a Blessed 2018! Hugs!
Thanks, Trudy. I pray that you will have the best year yet in 2018! I can’t believe that it’s already here. Blessings to you, friend.
Great suggestions here, Lisa.
2017 changed me a lot; I had the chance to see myself through others’ eyes, and it tore down the fiction I wanted to believe, that I was following some kind of destiny. In terms of my life’s movie, I’m merely an extra on the set. And that is OK.
By the way, I noticed that the name/email/website boxes for the comment were already populated with the information of the previous commenter.
“an extra on the set” – We’d all do well to think of ourselves that way, Andrew, instead of as the star of the show. God bless you in the coming year.
I love that these are all based on your posts throughout the year. It really is a beautiful testament to you and your witness here. Your posts never fail to encourage, inspire, and often convict. You’ve got an exciting year in store and I’m so blessed to call you friend. Wishing you and yours all JOY in 2018!
Aw, what sweet words, June. Thank you for always being so encouraging. May God bless you and your family in 2018 in surprising and wonderful ways!
Amen (times five). Wise, wise tips, Lisa. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year! 🙂
Thanks, Brenda. May God bless you and your family in this new year! It came upon us so quickly, yes?
I love this idea of gleaning lessons from previous blog posts. Sometimes I’m so forward focused, I forget to look over my shoulder.
I remember reading these posts, so it’s great to get a refresher!
Thanks, Michele. I tend to be more of a planner like you too. I think it just comes more naturally to some of us, whereas others are so good at gleaning lessons from the past. I have to stop and remind myself to do that more often.
Great round up and fun to reread these. Happy New Year, Lisa
Thanks for all your encouragement this past year, Jean. I appreciate your words of wisdom that you add to these posts!