Purpose In Returning

 

January was a month where God allowed me to step away, reflect deeply, and return with clearer purpose.

In this season, I learned that stepping back does not always mean walking away from God’s calling. Through my temporary resignation, the completion of the NCCA Tanghal papers, and the preparation for YATTA’s 20th musical production Bonikid, I discovered that faithful work requires patience, integrity, and surrender. Ultimately, God used both rest and responsibility to refine my character and establish the work of my hands.

January began with a major decision. I resigned from my job and was officially off work from December 31, 2025 to January 22, 2026. What I thought would simply be a break became a season of realignment. Those first weeks felt like a gift from God. I slowed down. I prayed more intentionally. I finished books, cleaned the house, improved my sleep routine, and most importantly, completed the NCCA Tanghal project documentation and walk papers.

By January 15, the Tanghal submission was fully completed. Working on those papers opened my eyes to how demanding transparency and accountability truly are. In theory, integrity sounds simple. In practice, it requires patience, strategic thinking, mental discipline, and the willingness to endure inconvenience. I began to understand why some people choose shortcuts or corruption, because ethical processes are demanding and sometimes exhausting. Yet doing things properly, with clean documentation and full transparency, was deeply fulfilling. It reminded me that righteousness is rarely easy, but it is always worth it.

During this time away from work, I initially felt relief and happiness. But as days passed, I found myself thinking about my coworkers and the responsibilities I had left behind. Almost every night, messages would come. They needed me back. I prayed sincerely and asked God for a clear sign. I said, “Lord, if You truly want me to return, let something definite happen on Monday.” That Monday, I received a call explaining how much I was needed, and even the company owner reached out with an offer. After prayer and reflection, I accepted. By January 22, I returned.

Coming back felt different. The atmosphere had improved, and some of the toxic dynamics from before were no longer present. The 22 days away were necessary. They gave me clarity. They exposed my conscience. They strengthened my dependence on God rather than on emotion.

At YATTA, January was quieter in terms of public activities because preparations were underway for the 20th musical production, Bonikid. However, behind the scenes, the work was significant. Annie and I focused heavily on ticketing. Monitoring sales, communicating with buyers online, resolving miscommunications, seeking approvals, and navigating agreement dynamics required constant coordination. Sometimes leadership simply meant talking things through with patience and humility. It was not glamorous work, but it was essential.

As we worked through documentation and ticketing processes, Psalm 90:17 resonated deeply with me:
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands; yes, establish the work of our hands.”

In both administrative work and ministry preparation, I saw how much we depend on God to establish what we build. We can prepare, plan, negotiate, and document, but it is ultimately Him who sustains and blesses the outcome.

Looking back, January taught me that whether in rest or in responsibility, God is shaping my character through every task He allows me to carry. The discipline required for transparency, the patience needed in ticketing coordination, and the humility involved in returning to work all became instruments of refinement. In stepping away and in coming back, God was not only establishing the work of my hands, He was establishing my heart.