Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

I recently completed two courses toward my next promotion. The courses are typically added to an electronic personnel file to be reviewed by a panel when somone is eligible to meet a promotion selection board. Now, almost two months after my course completion, my electronic record had not been updated. Over the past two months, I have been to the Education office to discuss this 'oversight.' The first time I went there, I was told to wait for the courses to be updated by the course administrators. The second time, I was told (by the same person) that the courses are no longer able to be placed on my personnel record. And I was told the same thing today (by the same person) when I returned for a third visit. (I was trying to speak with someone different.)

I haven't heard any 'official news' about the removal of these courses from personnel records, so I asked around. Sure enough, the courses were still being added and the person at the Education office was incorrect. I went back to the Education office to speak with another counselor and hopefully help the person that provided the incorrect information. I was concerned that she could affect someone's career by sharing incorrect information. For the fourth time, I spoke with the same person and I told her what I believed to be the correct procedure (nice and calm). She brought in another counselor (yeah!) and he verified my comments. Within five minutes, I had the correct procedures to update my records. The person I had been dealing with this whole time asked if I would come back so I could tell her if the procedure worked so she can tell others!

When I walked out of the office, a great sense of peace came over me. I realized how calm I was and the cheerful demeanor of the person I worked with. Immediately, Proverbs 15:1 came to mind and I truly understood its application in a practical manner. Thank you Lord!