Ten Things I Admire About David Dryden

It’s one of my favourite days in the year. It’s the day that my brother celebrates his birthday.

Some people think I get a bit over emotional and sentimental about David. Some reckon I should stop it with all the words lauding and applauding him, he is after all just a man, he is not god.

Those same some people will love this entry then … well as long as they don’t read it, they’ll love it.

It is a good thing to give thanks to God for all His blessings. As relationships go, there’s no greater way to celebrate God’s goodness in my life than by counting just ten of the blessings He has given me in top dude in me life. These are in no particular order.

1. He Plays Musical Instruments

I would like to tell you I am in no way jealous of my brother’s abilities with musical instruments. I would like to tell you I am in no way envious of how he learnt the guitar by himself and then proceeded to teach himself the keyboards, drums and virtually anything else that could make his own albums. I would like to tell you that it has never irked me how he has made it his point of duty to master the use of the instruments and primarily that of his voice. Were I to tell you these things, however, I would be the biggest liar in the world ever. In as much as I feel that way, I admire David big time for this.

2. He Is A Good Husband

My brother got married after I did. I got married first. I am his older brother. He comes after me. That means it’s only fair and right that in the affairs of being a faithful devoted husband I should set the example. David will tell you he might have picked up a thing or two from me. I don’t dispute it. It remains the fact that David has taken his responsibility to put his wife first in personal relations very seriously indeed. He is not the perfect husband, but something I love about his marriage is that I’m sure his wife would testify that he is perfect for her, as she is for him. That says a lot about the character of the man.

3. He Is A Great Source Of Creativity

There are people who can play instruments and that’s really cool. David, however, not only plays the instruments but is a spring of expressing himself through words, through music, through arrangements, even through his diligence in technical matters. He underplays it. That’s his style, he’s entitled to that. I, on the other hand, am in no way obliged to be limited to that. David has songs in his collection that are better than a lot of what passes for popular music. David has lots of ideas that would significantly benefit individuals, communities and organisations. He has all of this, welling up inside of him and from time to time, song to song and blog to blog he lets some of it out. Some of it. And that ‘some’ is something in itself.

4. He’s Committed To Finding And Living Truth

We are virtually diametrically opposed in our theological outlooks. The source for our way of living is thus very different. He has challenges to my worldview that has been at the heart of him steering clear of that. It grieves me. It would hurt even more, however, if he did what he did out of some sense of unthinking obligation or to please others. For our differences, one thing I continue to salute David for is ensuring and reviewing the foundations of his faith. He is committed to making that faith practical – it is not theory for the sake of it. It eats him up seeing truth lie dormant. That leads him to make stances that are in no way pleasant to the status quo. Does he care? What do you think?

5. He’s Very Aware Of His Failings And Weaknesses

I am not painting a picture of a guy who agonises over every sin he’s ever committed. What is refreshing about my brother though, is that for the selectively poor memory he has, he can still distinctly pinpoint his flaws. He could tell you where he’s not hitting the high points. He could tell you them, but he won’t dwell on them. He uses them to keep him humble. He acknowledges these as a point to steer him away from anything that would put the attention on him. I have much to learn from that aspect of his character.

6. He’s A Good Father

Children are blessed if they have one good parent. When they have two good and loving parents, they have the set up to do well in life. Nicola is a truly amazing mother. When I look at what she does for her son and daughter, I am so glad they are in good hands. David, however, is a superb father. I see him with his son and I see a father delighted with his son. David is not like our Dad. David is a lot more hands on, a lot more coaching, a lot more effectively leading his son in the ways of life. It’s a beauty to see. Now with his daughter as well being the recipient of his love, I have so much to be grateful for seeing him interact so positively and productively with his offspring.

7. He’s A Resourceful Guy

Life is sweet for me. My wife went to the school of MacGyver which means that even when the house looks absolutely bare, she will find a thread and use that to make us all safe. That’s great. What’s even better is that when even she doesn’t have the answers to some logistical or technical issue, I can send a text and lo and behold the brother will come up with an answer. The things he has done to be comfortable with his resources never ceases to make me chuckle. I don’t even try to emulate that, because I know my limitations. It’s just sweet to know where I stop, David excels so well.

8. He’s Able To Live By His Convictions

I often think it would be easy in his situation to compromise on some of his key beliefs. It’s got to be awkward at times standing against a lot of what mainstream blindly accepts. It wouldn’t hurt from time to time for the sake of a quieter life to just ease up with the truth as he sees it. After all I know a number of others in other walks of life who prefer to live a lifestyle that sees you say one thing on one day and live a life that contradicts that for the other six days. That suits them just fine, even if it leaves a murky and muddied legacy for those looking on. I go to bed comfortable at night knowing my sister-in-law, my niece and my nephew will not have that problem, and they will inherit a legacy of what it is to live by those convictions.

9. He’s A Good Friend

“David, I’m really frustrated in my marriage at the moment.” “Hey bro, can you just hear me out for a while.” “Yo David, this is so annoying.” “Hey David, what do you think about this.” “David, check this out.” “David this made me laugh.” “Can we come down and spend some quality time with you, David?” David isn’t Superman, because Superman wants to be as good as David when it comes to being a faithful, understanding, considerate, generous and caring friend. I could come out with anything and David doesn’t condemn. He slips in the word of wisdom, he offers the listening ear, he says the right thing and it’s all good. There have even been times when he’s volunteered a pack of bakewell tarts to his brother in need. (That’s a hint, David.)

10. He’s A Good Brother

I have two sisters. I have one brother. Saying he’s a good brother is a bit odd in that sense. Yet, thanks to the grace of God and belonging to the family of God I have come across menfolk who I am delighted to be brothers in Christ and brothers indeed. As a result there are men who have helped me out of challenging situations. Men who have stood with me when others neglected me. Men who have gone the extra mile to show they care. Among all these the constant, however, has remained my brother. He is the definition of how brothers should be. It is my honour and privilege to be his brother. It is a delight and a joy to celebrate his birthday again. I trust he will continue to grow in wisdom and integrity for the burgeoning health of his family, and for his own sense of wellbeing.

I love you, David.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden