Welcome to the December 28th edition of Faith & Life Lessons.
You will see this email full of tidbits from my week. My goal is simple. I hope that from how I live my life, you can find a thing or two that helps you as you try to live a life that matters. I am always trying to do one thing - make Christ-focused decisions in love, work, and life. And this was my week.
Howdy ,
This week reminded me how easy it is to run on autopilot.
Work will gladly take everything I give it.
So will screens, noise, and other people’s urgency.
I am reminded to choose on purpose again…
The Story of My Week.
Early in the week, I had to make a hard call at work.
We hosted a Golf X event, and there was nothing posted on social media during the event. Almost 24 hours later, still nothing. Meanwhile, celebrities and influencers were tagging us, and anyone who clicked our page saw silence. So I called the agency in, tested their understanding, and gave them 48 hours to cover ground.
In the middle of that pressure, something else happened that softened me.
I kept getting feedback from people who received the handwritten notes I sent. One person told me it was worth more than money. It reminded me that impact is not always loud. Sometimes it is just personal and precise.
Then came the family moments.
My wife and I went out for the Afro Jazz Fest, our first proper couple outing since 2019. We tried the new nanny for the first time, got home late, and I still took my daughter to bathe and settle for bed.
It was a small thing, but it felt like we were reopening a door we had left closed for too long.
Christmas morning, I prayed. Not rushed. Not performative. Just me, reconnecting with the written prayers I have kept for the days when my mind is scattered. I could feel myself coming back into rhythm again.
And then, the turning point surprised me.
I had been dealing with bad pain and headaches for a day or two. I prayed, and the headache went. I am grateful, because it felt like God reminding me that He is close, and He still heals in ordinary moments.
If I had to name the frame of this week, it is this: God is teaching me to live on purpose, with peace, not pressure. (Romans 8:28).
Things I Learnt
1-You can be firm and still be kind: An acquaintance called me about an email she received from my team that was not customer-centric.
I reviewed it, messaged the team lead, and spoke with her during a walk.
I used an example: when your internet is down, you do not care that others are affected. You want your issue solved.
It is easy to justify a sharp response when someone has been difficult.
But I felt that quiet check inside: “Stay professional. Stay clean.”
My tone is part of my witness, even in corporate emails. Empathy does not require surrendering excellence.
I am teaching my teams to lead with “I apologise” and immediate action, not defensiveness.
2-Protect the moments you want to remember: We went to a Water Park as a family, and everyone enjoyed the day.
Before Christmas, I drew up a simple calendar so we could be intentional about the experiences we want to create.
I also told a friend we already had plans as they tried to jump into one of our set days, because sometimes you have to protect the quiet of your home.
I feel the pull to say yes to everyone, then I resent the cost later.
I also feel the ache of wanting a deeper connection in my home.
Love is not only affection. Love is protection.
If I do not guard it, the best parts of life get crowded out.
Practice for the Week
Reflect: Where am I leaving my life to chance right now, and what would “on purpose” look like there?
Pray: Lord, help me return to You without shame. Teach me a simple rhythm I can keep. Give me peace, not pressure.
Act: Write a mini calendar for the next 7 days with one small moment you want to protect (a walk, a meal, a call, a quiet 10 minutes). Then honour it.
Want extra accountability?
Hit reply with one sentence: This week I need grace to protect ____ without guilt.
Postscript
May you be reminded to hold onto the important one thing as you enter the new year is this: the life you want will not happen by accident. Amen
If this encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs it. And if you are not subscribed yet, make sure you are on the list so you do not miss the next one.
Tola Akinsulire
Helping Christians excel at work and in life without the overwhelm but with peace and rest
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