London's Garrick club was once a favourite haunt of England's theatrical and literary circles. It's patrons have included Winne-the-Pooh's creator AA Milne and Charles Dickens. They also included the actor Frederick Lonsdale, who was engage din a long running and bitter feud with another club member. The two had once been close friends, but now bitterness kept them apart. It was a New years Eve when Seymour Hicks insisted Lonsdale reconcile with his old friend. "You must," Hicks said to Lonsdale. "It is very unkind to be unfriendly at such a time. Go over now and wish him a happy New Year." Finally convinced, Lonsdale crossed the room to speak to his friend-turned-enemy. "I wish you a happy New Year," he said, "but only one."
Source: Reported in Today in the Word, July 5, 1993.
Applications: new year, bitterness, anger, reconciliation, forgiveness, words, conflict