The Art Of Making A Point

Tact

[takt] 
noun

1. a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

2. a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful,or aesthetically pleasing; taste;discrimination

Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy. ~ Isaac Newton 

I recently read a story where a woman wrote down her order incorrectly and blasted the waiter for getting it wrong when her food arrived. The waiter, instead of shoving her own hand written order slip back at her forcing her to see that she was actually the one wrong, simply apologized and took the order back and brought her a new order. The woman finished eating and went to pay and noticed her copy of the ticket with her own hand writing where she did in fact write down the wrong item that was brought to her originally. The woman felt horrible and tried to offer to pay for both entrees and the waiter simply replied: “No Ma’am, that’s perfectly alright. I’m just happy you’ve forgiven me for being right.” 

How many times have we been lacking in our tact when the need to be right is overwhelming? 

How many times do you throw in a jab or a snark or a boast just to wound someone that you feel has wounded you? 

It all comes down to our heart and motives.

Sometimes words need to be spoken and other times they do not. 

The art of making a point could simply mean not saying a word. 

Lord, help me evaluate my words and motives when speaking with others. Help me use discretion and tact so I don’t make an enemy with my words. Help me forgive those who have not used tact with me and wounded me by their careless words too. Amen.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ~ Proverbs 12:18

Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you. ~ Proverbs 2:11

          ~XXOO Michelle Bollom