A Ringing Phone Has To Be Answered

… but not necessarily by me!

Recently, I noticed that my phone was ringing off the hook. I don’t mind when people call, and I often will spend time praying with them and encouraging them in the Lord.

The problem was, that while I was able to do my housework while talking on the phone, my children were wandering around looking for my direction.

For example, I’d be doing dishes or preparing dinner, and then suddenly my two year old would be out in the alley attempting to “ride bike” with the big kids. Or, I’d suddenly have diaper emergencies because I wouldn’t notice the littler ones hiding in the corner.

My solution : Let the voice mail answer the phone.

I know it sounds like a simple solution, but it is not easy to let the phone ring!

This is our current voice mail message – my friendly way of saying “I’m screening my calls!” without actually saying the words:

Hello you’ve reached the Albrecht residence at _ _ _ – _ _ _ – _ _ _ _.

As you may know, things can be pretty busy around here
and we’re not always able to answer the phone when it rings.

However, your call is important to us and we’d like to give you a call
back when we’re able.

So, please leave your name, telephone number and message at the tone.

Thank you!

There has been a difference in productivity since I have been allowing the voice mail to answer the phone. Before, I would see the number on the caller ID and I would feel guilty if I didn’t answer it while it was ringing. I have noticed, though, that if I call the person back when it’s not so chaotic, that the conversations are shorter and more to the point. I am able to concentrate on the conversation better, my children get the attention they need, and I am not as frazzled trying to clean up all the messes that were made while I wasn’t paying attention.

One more point to make about the phone: I’ve noticed that by letting the voice mail screen the calls, some of the “busy-body” calls have decreased. You know, the ones where you find yourself asking the person, “Do I really need to know this?” or “Does this person know that you are telling me this about them?” :D

When her children were teenagers, my friend Joyce posted Ephesians 4:29-32 on the wall next to the phone for this very reason. (Remember back when there was no such thing as a cordless phone?) This passage served as a reminder for them not to get caught up participating in running others down while speaking on the phone:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.