Two things to start this entry.
In a few short days’ time Dr. Who will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Also it’s my birthday today.
Now the connection between the two won’t see me go all fan-loving on Dr. Who. It’s there for a reason. In the latest edition of Dr. Who Magazine, the programme showrunner, Steven Moffat had something interesting to say about his approach to putting together the anniversary special.
“We have to say, ‘This 50th anniversary adventure is the new direction. We’re going forwards.'”
He was writing in response to a concern of making the anniversary show almost like the final landmark signalling the end of the programme.
Sometimes a birthday can be a time of just getting all nostalgic and considering how good life was back then. There’s nothing wrong with that to a degree.
For example, earlier this week I was talking to my oldest daughter about the state of my bank account in relation to the things that really matter. Now my bank balance isn’t the rosiest (I don’t say it for your sympathy, although if you do want to contribute to the Christopher Dryden Foundation please send donations to …). Yet I was rejoicing in the Lord to my daughter that first God has always provided and we’ve never gone to bed hungry unless we chose to do so.
What I also informed my concerned daughter was that actually when I consider the journey I’ve made to this point, I am a richer man today because of so many things. I’m richer because I know more than I ever did before. I’m richer because despite the setbacks my relationship with my wife is better than its ever been before. I’m richer because all three of my daughters are healthy, strong and ever improving. I’m richer because the way I relate to my brother and sister have never been better. I’m richer because my mentor is still alive and encouraging, admonishing and stimulating me to live up to who Jesus Christ.
I’m also richer because the nature of my relationships have deepened over the last year. There are people who were either on the periphery or completely not in my picture who are suddently now thrust into key positions in my life. These people have made my life so much better for knowing them to whatever degree. Some online, some offline, but all of them have truly enriched me.
Through all of this and beyond, I know I am a richer man today because my relationship with Jesus Christ means so much more to me than it has before. My desire to learn more of Him is deeper. My awareness of my own failings is greater than before. As a result my appreciation for His grace is greater and how I need to be only too aware of that in my engagement with others is my prominent.
That’s something important that I give God big up thanks for.
However.
That’s only part of the story about a day like today. Today is the start of a new chapter. A new day. A new year. A new start for me. The voyage into the unknown journeys of delving deeper into the riches of Christ in the world in which He’s called me to live.
It’s new. It’s unknown. It’s daunting. It’s exciting.
I do have goals for months and yes years ahead. I have plans, at the same time knowing that it will always be God’s plan that will be in my own best interests, so I endeavour to ensure He ultimately scripts my lines, and guides my steps. It’s exciting times though. The opportunities, the chance to serve, to grow, to learn, to become even richer in the things of God and be able to share those riches with others.
There’s a desire in me to pursue excellence all the more. Not in an obsessive perfectionist manner. Rather in a way that says I appreciate God’s goodness and a reflection of that appreciation is not to be sloppy. Walk in His footsteps and be able to do whatever He’s called me to do well, and reflect something of Him that will benefit, encourage, edify and in any other shine His light so others will see Him through me.
I get that feeling there’ll be more opportunities to do that in the future. That excites me. It’s like Moffat says. It’s a time to say thank God for 36 years (no, not quite 50, not yet). And it’s onwards from here. Onwards and upwards. (Even if that means going downwards, if you know what I mean.)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
Happy Birthday and best wishes to you! Wish I had a Tardis!
Thanks very muchly. I’m glad I don’t have a TARDIS, I know the havoc I’d create … or have I created it already and we’re suffering the time/space displacement as a result???
We’ll never know… 😁
What I love so very much about this journey we’re on is that Jesus really is our guide. He once gave us a picture in a meeting that showed us it’s our job to take the next step, but it’s his job to turn the ground beneath us so that we will move in the right direction. Such an awesome idea!
You probably have very little idea how much you have encouraged me through your posts here, Chris. Sometimes the walk is quite lonely, even when there are other people involved. But when I come across someone saying the very thing I might have said – that’s fellowship!
Thank you, Father, for brothers and sisters who encourage us.
Dear Brother Chris
Indeed I have no real knowledge of the impact of whatever is written on this blog. For you to share how it has made such a positive impact on you is a truly thrilling and equally humbling experience.
I trust God will continue to turn the ground beneath us so that we will move in the right direction. I trust likewist that we will forge ahead as a result to see His Kingdom come and will done on earth in our lifetime as it is in eternity.
Thanks so much for your thoughts.