So this is April and any strong measures of winter are a thing of the past. The first quarter of the year has been a very interesting one. Among other things I’ve come across there is the importance of family time.
Just to remind you, I came from a family unit of five people and we were a close-knit, though how close became more apparent when the children left the family nest. In 2003 I was tremendously blessed to be married to Authrine who I consider – as I should – to be the most beautiful woman in the world. In December 2004 Authrine and I became parents for the first time to Deborah Christina. May 2006 saw the second addition to the family in Abigail Elizabeth Danielle. Next Sunday will see us celebrate the first anniversary of the life of the final part of the Dryden household in Zoë Anya Cheryse.
Despite the good family I came from, I have tended to be a loner. I liked the idea of married life, but didn’t really seriously consider it. I thought children would be inevitable if I was to be married, but again I didn’t really seriously consider it. So when it happened it took me some time to get to grips with the costs and responsibilities.
Now, however, almost 8 years since the marriage, I find myself enjoying family time more than ever before. Seeing the incredible energy of the three girls and having fun with them. Praying with them and seeing them grow in knowledge and understanding is truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Sharing life with my wife, as I’ve mentioned before is something at the moment that goes beyond words of description. It is not about doing things by textbook and getting tips that way. It is about learning from people’s experiences, and of course worse of all learning from our own painful experiences. I’m fairly certain there is a lot more to learn, but God’s amazing grace has brought us to a place now where there is a deep love for each other that is heart strong and knitted by the mutual desire to love God and let that love influence all our life decisions.
There was a time in the quarter where family time was scarce and the various pressures on us as a couple didn’t allow us to maximise family time. Another tough period in the family, but one that was weathered and from which we emerged stronger and happier before. As a result this loner who absolutely loves his own company with a good book or a writing project, takes enormous pleasure with the laughter of his daughters and the beautiful smile of his wife.
On a larger scale I’ve been enormously blessed to also spend sometime with my brother and his family as well as my sister and her current household and what I receive from those encounters informs what I endeavour to live out in the expression of church. I’m not looking for faux ‘brothers and sisters’ who are known by casual association. I’m not looking for people who know me by my parents or wife, or whoever. I’m looking to experience genuine family life based on that same bond of Christ that lets us share life and go through things on a deep level whilst enjoying all the ups and downs together.
In the meantime, my prayer and aim is to continue to enjoy and treasure family time.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 