The State of DMCD Address – Part One

Yes indeed, to repeat something that’s been mentioned one or two times today (maybe even three if we want to be technical) it is my birthday.

I have a Facebook account and it was pleasant to read those who’d left a comment on there regarding the birthday and seeing the names of those who did really made me think about the places I’ve been and people I’ve come across in these 33 years on the planet. So many of such varying backgrounds and levels of association from dearly beloved friends to mild acquaintances. It’s certainly been a fascinating journey for the life of DMCD. In the light of that and with all things being equal it was only appropriate as new seasons of Parliament have the Queen’s Speech and the President periodically is expected to give a State of the Union address that I update y’all on what this 33^rd year of mine has been like.

I was reflecting with a very dear friend that this has not been the worst year of my life. That’s got to go to the year Nov 2004 to Nov 2005. That was a very bad year indeed and I’ve not had it so bad before or since. Nov 2009 to Nov 2010 was, however the most traumatic year of my life thus far. Now you’ll be thinking, what’s the difference? Well think about traumatic events – they’re not always bad per se – they just call for a huge amount physical, emotional, mental and spiritual exertion. That has definitely been the case for this the 33^rd year of my life. Funnily enough with all the three’s in the year it has been a year of the three’s which defines it perfectly.

Homes:

Back in getting over the aftermath of that horror year 04-05 I recall conversing with my beautiful wife at the top of the road in which we lived. Looking out I recall saying to her with the contentment and bliss of a man safely in recovery, that I liked to think we would settle in the property for at least five years. I am a creature of comfort and routine can offer that and a settled place of abode definitely affords that. I am a home-body – there really is no place like home.

God in His infinite wisdom didn’t quite allow that to happen. Indeed five years on I’ve lived in five different subsequent properties! The Abigail fact is most prominent in that – she has never had a birthday in the same place since she was born and her fifth birthday in May 2011 will be in yet another property (hopefully the one we’re in at the moment).

As I’ve blogged fairly extensively over the moves, the whole deal is a trauma. We’ve been through that for three properties in the year Nov 09 – Nov 10. Not only three homes in that time, but three different areas. That’s resettling into new places two times and just when we think it’s safe to be settled on the move again. There’s being a nomad and being a nomad, but this took it to a level that I didn’t know was possible. Considering the faithfulness of God and flexibility of the family to deal with those traumas over the time allows me to know God is real and His mercies are amazing.

From Stoke-on-Trent to Little Hulton to Bletchley we have wandered and I sincerely hope – and pray – and fast – and plead – that our wanderings are at an end for the present season. That per chance we may be able to settle. Put down roots. Get the girls established with their friends from school, perhaps find a church and a community for them to be a part of and for the family to get on with life here. That’s my heart’s desire, and at the same time, as with all the other moves that have taken place in the last 15 years I also remain flexible to the will of God should He have other plans for us.

At present, though, the girls are getting on well in school. Authrine has her routine both at home and round about and is enjoying being a full-time mother. Her cooking was never that bad, but it’s as if diving into motherhood and home management has sent her culinary skills to an even higher level of excellence. To give an indication of just how good I’ve even said it’s comparable to that of my mother – yes that’s right I said my wife’s cooking can be justly considered in the same breath as Mama Gail’s who as we know is the greatest cook in living memory.

That has not been the only change in the three’s as the next entry will outline …

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd