“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
When President Gerald Ford was in office he was on one occasion visited in the White House by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. When the Ford’s son, Jack, was dressing for a formal dinner with the queen and prince, he couldn’t find the studs for his shirt so he rushed into his father’s bedroom to see if he could borrow some.
He ran into the elevator with his shirt unbuttoned and hanging out and his hair disheveled — too late to discover that somebody else was already in the elevator. It was his parents with their guests, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Mrs. Ford awkwardly introduced Jack to their distinguished visitors. Sensing Mrs. Ford’s embarrassment, the queen remarked sympathetically, “I have one just like that!”
Tact and kindness are great gifts to have and to use every day. I used to have one at home sort of like Jack. I learned to keep his door closed and my mouth shut!
Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to develop the gift of tact and learn to be sensitive to other people’s feelings when they are caught in a awkward moment. Gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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[Original illustration at this number was a variant of HolwickID #16272]