Home Page | Calendar | Forums | Login | Turn Images On |
Home > Action Zones > Business and Workplace



Dear son, dear daughter,

I wanted to drop you a line because we haven’t had that much time to talk recently. I know you’re so so busy with the project, and I know it counts so you’re making it count, as the deadlines mount around your head. You sit at that desk all day in the office and hold your ground until you get the inbox down. I am so proud of you for trying your best in this moment that you have. But I just wanted to take a minute to say, that I see you.

I don’t need you to look up at me, it doesn’t alter my eye-line upon you. I don’t need you to tell me that it’s so hard to keep in touch nowadays and really you’re working because you think I’d want you to, because I already know what you’re thinking. And I just wanted to let you know, I am with you as you work, and I am smiling over you.

Because you’ve not found work always that easy, but you’ve stuck at it even when it’s felt like work is squeezing the life out of what you enjoy. And I know you’re scared that you might not make the deadline, and you dread to think of all that effort you’ve put in and the promotion opportunities with no guarantees. I know. I see it all too.

So I’m writing to say, I’m with you all the way. On the days you give in to the fear and forget that I’m right here and forget that I’ve never let you down so far, my track record is perfect. On the days you forget to rest and end up in a mess because you thought just pushing through would be better for you than taking an hour or two outside, with me, a walk and a talk to re-centre yourself and remind yourself why you’re here. On the days when your god becomes work too, on the days when your god becomes play, on the days when you forget that I love you more than words can say and so you try and make yourself feel better by filling up life in some other way.

I just wanted to remind you, I’m still here. I know you want answers about future careers and next chapters and I know you want me to spell out your future in black and white lines and step by step designs. I know you’ll ask me a thousand times “what am I meant to do with my life?”. So I’ve taken this time to write to you. I want to remind you of my promise to see your life through, from start to finish I am committed to walking next to you. Even when you don’t invite me in, the fact that I’m still here remains true.

So, this was just an email to make you look up from your work, just for a moment to remember we are not strangers. I have everything you need to see this year, your project, through to completion, and I do not intend you to suffer stress, anxiety or sleep-deprivation. So if you fancy a walk, a talk, if you are able to get back in touch, I’m still here, you’ve never gone out of my sight, and I’ll wait for you through day and night. Because when you feel weaker, my love is stronger, and no matter how long it takes you, I will wait longer. I am proud of you, just as you are, and however far away you feel, you’ve never gone too far.

So if it helps to write an email to me, or just look up and for a moments breathe, I’m here and I’ve got all the time in the world, I’ll see you in the office.

With love, your Father in Heaven


(adapted from: Letter to a final year student, from God... by Miriam Swaffield, 2013. With acknowledgement to Fusion)
  The Transform Work UK Team

Source: www.transformworkuk.org/
  (Author: )

See feedback for this article


Articles in this group

Bristol Housing Festival EXPO and Community Stories
This year, for our public expo in October we are delighted to be holding a Virtual Expo for 2020. (Author: )

Build a Brand
3 workshops for new businesses doing great things - with Kate Soar and Sarah Dickins (Author: )

Bristol digital company wins contracts to support prayer and mental health as lockdown triggers surg
We are excited to be able to help people explore spirituality and faith at a time when Covid-19 has led to many of us asking the bigger questions about life. (Author: )

Celebrating 20 years of 'orriss design'
It's been a real roller coaster of a ride reaching that 20 year target and I most definitely couldn't have done it without your custom and continued support. (Author: )

Recognition for Babbasa’s work: Queen's Business Award
Babbasa has been awarded the highest Royal recognition for any business in the UK. Babbasa supports young people to develop the skills and confidence needed to realise their professional ambitions. (Author: )

Business leaders outworking the call to steward His world
by being ‘courageous stewards’’ willing to open our eyes to the brokenness and beauty of that which surrounds us, as well as open our hearts and tool-bags in order to be bringers of hope... (Author: )

Thankful for 2018… The Year of Expansion
We are so very thankful for all that the Lord has done so far in 2018. It has been a year of growth, expansion, supernatural provision and protection over us the Core Team as well as our numerous Ambassadors out there in the field fulfilling the vision... (Author: )

Are you making Fair Trade your business?
If your workplace uses or sells Fair Trade certified products, or promotes Fair Trade to its staff and customers, then you could be eligible for a South West Fair Trade Business Award. Applications are open now. (Author: )

Why Support Bristol Children in Care Awards 2018?
Epic and Stars of Bristol Awards Celebrating the achievements of Bristol’s Children in Care and Care Leavers (Author: )

Take action in Bristol to stop Sainsbury's from ditching Fairtrade!
More than 90,000 concerned voices have now added their name to the petition calling for Sainsbury's to reconsider their decision to drop the FAIRTRADE mark from their own brand tea. (Author: )

Winners Announced for the South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2017
"We’re a socially conscious business who believe in doing what we can to affect a positive change in the world around us." (Author: )

Fairtrade Fortnight Begins!
this year The Fairtrade Foundation has launched the campaign with a hard-hitting video that brings the exploitation of children in cheap supply chains closer to home, and calls on us all to end the exploitation by making sure our break is a fair one. (Author: )

2017 South West Fairtrade Business Awards Entry Deadline Extended!
Now in their fifth year, the Awards reward businesses that demonstrate commitment to using and promoting Fairtrade. They are free to enter and declare a fair and ethical business ethos for all businesses that meet the criteria... (Author: )

The BAM Review
As we end 2016, we would like to highlight some of the best blogs from the second half of the year. We count it a privilege to be able serve the business as mission community with articles and stories (Author: )

Salt - Transforming lives; Transforming business
Business leaders committed to working together to achieve a world without poverty. (Author: )

Transform Work UK 2016 Annual Conference
a must for all those involved in a Christian ministry in the workplace, as well as for those who want to make a Christian impact where they work. (Author: )

Transform Work UK eNewsletter - Starting Off!
to help Christians at the workplace start and grow thriving Christian Workplace Groups (CWGs) which are a positive, Godly influence on their organisations. (Author: )

Transform Work UK eNewsletter- Let's Follow Him!
As we move forward into the summer, the season of outdoor activities, fun and life, let's commit to follow Him and His calling in our groups... (Author: )

A Chocolatey Workplace Prayer Group Story
These could be described as ‘stealth eggs’ or an act of random kindness. Food always goes down well in our department and it will also be a reminder/explanation of the meaning of Easter for Christians. (Author: )

South West Fairtrade Business Awards Winners Announced!
Businesses that use and sell Fairtrade products make a significant contribution to reducing poverty in developing countries and helping achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (Author: )

Excited to see what the LORD has got planned for Bristol’s workers!
A super time was had in sunny Brizzol… as I heard it called by more than one Bristolian whilst I was there way back in October... (Author: )

Lovework: The Workplace Matters
Many Christians find it difficult to integrate their faith and work but the workplace matters! At this half day conference we'll explore what it means to be a fruitful follower of Jesus in the workplace. (Author: )

2016 Fairtrade Business Awards Open for Applications!
Now in their fourth year, the Awards reward businesses that demonstrate commitment to using and promoting Fairtrade. They are free to enter and declare a fair and ethical business ethos for all businesses that meet the criteria (Author: )

Inspiration and Challenge at ‘Best Ever’ International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Bristol
240 delegates from 20 countries across the world gathered in Bristol... to explore ‘Fair Trade for Sustainability’ as part of the city’s European Green Capital major events programme. (Author: )

World class speakers confirmed for International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Bristol
Focusing on the strong relationship between Fair Trade and the green agenda (Author: )

Bristol Innovates Where Big Banks Fear to Tread
a proposal to create interest-free loans based on invoices and mutual credit between a network of co-operating businesses. (Author: )

Learning to Live
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Not forgetting what you have heard but doing it – you will be blessed in what you do. (Author: )

Bristol celebrates 10 Years as a Fairtrade City in Style
"Such a significant milestone for Bristol. Trading fairly is essential to alleviating world poverty and achieving global equality..." (Author: )

What Can Christian Workplace Groups Do in and around their Regular Meetings?
be Jesus' light in the workplace, and to its people... to be a positive, Godly influence within the organisation. (Author: )

NEW Fairtrade Employee Advocate Award Launched
This will go to someone who has championed Fairtrade in the workplace and encouraged colleagues and/or their employer to buy more Fairtrade products... (Author: )

2015 Fairtrade Business Awards Open for Applications!
...the Awards reward businesses that demonstrate commitment to using and promoting Fairtrade. They are free to enter and declare a fair and ethical business ethos for all businesses that meet the criteria (Author: )

Bristol Power Coop Second Share Offer 2014
We will put at least 50% of the solar on the homes of people who are in fuel poverty. 250 homes in Bristol will benefit from cheaper electricity bills, many by hundreds of pounds per year. (Author: )

Low Carbon Gordano share offer launched!
Help fund the installation of the Moorhouse Farm Solar Array in North West Bristol... consisting of more than 7,500 solar panels capable of generating enough clean electricity to power 500 homes. (Author: )

Follow-up BAM Breakfast
standing alongside those running, genuine and relevant businesses to meet real local need amongst the poorest and the unreached... (Author: )

International Fair Trade Conference in Japan invited to Bristol
Delegates in Japan were very enthusiastic about coming to Bristol, to learn about our successful environmental, Fairtrade and sustainable food policies. (Author: )

Winners of South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2014 announced!
‘an incredible advocate for Fairtrade since it started, not only as a 100% Fairtrade provider, but also pioneering new products in the sector.’ (Author: )

The 2014 regional Fairtrade Business Awards are open for applications
The aim of the Awards is to increase sales of and support for Fairtrade amongst local businesses, by promoting businesses that support Fairtrade and encouraging others to do more. (Author: )

Real World Economics Workshop: Kickstarting the real-world economy on your doorstep!
It’s the end of ‘business as usual’. The time has come to weave together a new social reality in alignment with our values, and to create an economic system that benefits us all. A system fit for the real world. (Author: )

Make Your Money Count : Ethical Finance Conference 2013
This conference is for anyone who wants to be equipped to use their money and consumer power in a positive and ethical way. (Author: )

Transforming your Workplace - Going Deeper
What a great day of celebration of the Christian network and influence in the Bristol area. (Author: )

Book an LICC Speaker for your event
Looking for wisdom for the workplace or needing input around whole-life discipleship? LICC has a fantastic group of experts and practitioners... (Author: )

Bishopston Trading Company due to close
We can now no longer continue and wish to close down our business voluntarily and ethically and in an honourable way. We would like to thank... (Author: )

Winners of South West Fairtrade Business Awards Announced!
The winner of the first ever regional Fairtrade Business Awards, sponsored by The Co-operative, is Easy Bean from Yeovil. (Author: )

Fairtrade Fortnight in Bristol 2013
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 25th Feb – 10th March 2013. The Fairtrade Business Awards for the South West region are open for applications. (Author: )

Happy Fairtrade Christmas....and lots of Fairtrade cheer for 2013
I hope you are looking forward to a relaxing time over Christmas as I am fueled by a little indulgence of Fairtrade chocolate and wine... (Author: )

Bristol Independents/Bristol Pound Christmas Loyalty Card now launched!
Avoid the horrors of out-of-town malls, shop at Bristol Independents this Christmas. Collect stamps. Win prizes! (Author: )

Chaplaincy to the Broadmead Shopping Quarter Christmas Markets
A new and exciting mission opportunity has developed for us at ISR to work within our calling of taking the Gospel message out into the world (Author: )

Bristol to host first ever Regional Fairtrade Business Awards
to increase sales of, and support for Fairtrade amongst businesses in the region, by promoting those businesses that support Fairtrade and (Author: )

Launch of Christian bookshop in the spiritual heart of Bristol
Following a successful launch in Bath, A Great Read Ltd has opened the Aslan Christian Bookshop in St Stephen’s in the City... (Author: )

Funding Available
Funds are available for churches wishing to start community franchise projects or who may wish to develop such a model. (Author: )

Budding Entrepreneurs: - 18-35 years
Let us together seek out those emerging Christian leaders in the 18 - 35 age range, budding entrepreneurs - those with the Lord’s vision burning inside them (Author: )

Bristol Fairtrade Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2012
Public confidence in the Fairtrade Mark and the benefits it gives to farmers in developing countries continues to grow, despite the recession. (Author: )

Ethical Finance Conference
This one day Conference aims to explore key issues around how we use and invest our money and give practical ideas that make a difference. (Author: )

Responsible Capitalism?
A morning conference to consider the economic crisis and what needs to change to build a fairer economy for the future (Author: )

Fairtrade Fortnight in Bristol
An opportunity to promote and celebrate local ethical businesses, and to inspire others to do more to support Fairtrade. (Author: )

Business Breakfast - Retreat is to Advance
Stewart Keiller will be giving an inspirational talk entitled “Retreat is to Advance!” Stewart will open up the idea that retreat and time out... (Author: )

Store Closure Wesley Owen Bristol
It is with great regret that we have to inform our customers of the immediate closure of the Wesley Owen store in Bristol. (Author: )

Fairtrade Business Awards - Urgent Reminder!
Only a week left to apply for the Fairtrade Business Awards! Every business that qualifies for bronze level or above will... (Author: )

Stokes Croft Street Market + Stokes Croft Winter Fayre
The Stokes Croft Markets Group is working to bring a high quality street market to Stokes Croft. A place for shoppers to meet and buy... (Author: )

Ethical finance day
Many thanks to all of you who attended our interfaith picnic, it was a really great day with some interesting discussions. Now it is time for action. (Author: )

First ever Fairtrade Business Awards
Delighted to announce the launch of the first ever Fairtrade Business Awards, open to all businesses in the greater Bristol area... (Author: )

The HBOS story and the lessons learned - putting faith and ethics into practice in the world today
Paul Moore was a senior banker who warned his bank, HBOS, about its excessive risk-taking, and, he claims, was fired as a result. (Author: )

ICCC - Prayer Supper + TWL - 20th Sept
In ICCC we are having a renewed look at our foundational teaching material, "Transformed Working Life", which name has it's roots in Romans 12:1 and 2. (Author: )

The Eye of the Needle
Biblical Clues to a New Economy (Author: )

Calling all Bakers! Expansion or Start-up Business!
LoveBristol has a highly prominent retail unit for let, currently undergoing bakery refurbishment, on Stokes Croft / Cheltenham Road... (Author: )

Aspire - Transforming lives through work
Passionate about seeing young people trained, equipped and encouraged to face the next step toward permanent employment... (Author: )

ISR Newsletter
The newsletter is a summary of some of the work of ISR over the past few months, and also of information about some future events... (Author: )

Will U B @ N C @ N P?
The ICCC National Conference @ Newport Pagnell in just 4 weeks time? (Author: )

Putting Faith to Work: Making Mission Matter
Below are some opportunities to get involved with ISR who aim to deliver mission and outreach projects and support church communities. (Author: )

Lifewater Healthcare Wishes you a Healthy Life
The following article was sent in by Anna Lau, a business woman who’s part of the Chinese Christian community in Bristol. (Author: )

Need Help Finding your True Vocation?
The programme is designed around 10 evening workshops and everyone has access to an exciting online vocational software tool (Author: )


© 2024 Together4Bristol High Accessibility Version. (Full Graphics Version)