And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Ephesians 4:29 The Passion Translation

I was furious. Our training team had worked day and night to finish up a training project in time. Then, on the launch day we were told that the entire project had been cancelled. We had not been brought into the loop whatsoever and had know idea that there was any possibility of it being cancelled. I was angry because I felt like we were not valued member of the decision making team. I was ready to go confront someone about this disrespectful approach to our time and efforts. (With the anger I was feeling, I probably would have said a few things I would regret later.)

“Karen, let’s take a few steps back to look at the situation before you go storming in to confront them,” Cassie said calmly.

Ah… the gift of perspective and grace just when I needed it most.

She listened to all my reasons for how we had been wronged. I made a ‘mind-map’ of all the good that could come of the situation – which she put into a list that I was able to take with me to the meeting I scheduled with the decision makers. It turned out that there had been a last-minute decision because they were preparing to announce layoffs for the entire company. This, of course, was not an open topic for discussion.

Her wisdom and Godly perspective blessed me in so many ways. She is now a pastor and I’m sure this discernment is a tool God can use to bless many  others going through difficult times.

Honor Keys

Be specific about the examples where this individual has used their discernment because it is such a part of who they are they might be baffled at the way that you honor them. You might be surprised at their surprise and pleasure as you let them know how much their gifting has helped you.

Active Definition

Discernment is knowing what to look for in evaluating people, problems and events. The result is that you say the right words at the right time. You see the root issue and seek positive ways to resolve the problems at hand. You work from your strengths and allow others to provide their input as well. You use your experiences fully and position yourself to trust your intuition as you embrace change with its own set of uncertainties.

Creative Wording

Thank you for your grace under pressure. There are so many times when you encouraged me by listening carefully and helping me to gain a deeper perspective of what might be going in the lives of those I was considering to be difficult people in my life. I remember specifically the time you _______________. I am grateful for your sensitivity to others and keen insight into difficult situations.

Synonyms: acumen, insight, judgment, understanding, intuition, observation, perception, wisdom, vision and sensitivity

This is day eight of a 31 day writing challenge. For more inspiration on honoring those you love, click here.

Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope. Karen’s third book on hope – The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride will be released on 11.20.18.