It’s not something I entertain too seriously, but sure, from time to time I do wonder what would happen if …
There are those points in life where I have made a decision and it’s been proven to be life changing in ways I never expected.
Twenty years ago this month I moved from London to the city of Stoke-on-Trent. That in itself was a massive move for me. It was to a completely unknown place for me. I only really knew a couple who lived in the area. In fact it was one of that couple that I was interested to do some shadowing of that got me to the city in the first place. And for that I am very grateful for Hughie.
Coming up to Stoke-on-Trent is one thing. An even more significant event happened this month twenty years ago. Yes it was in February 2000 that I first encountered Authrine Burton. It’s still wonderful to recall the circumstances. And once again Hughie played a pivotal part in it all.
So what happened was … something we can talk about when you come over for a beverage and a meal at my crib. (Yes, you’re invited as long as you let me know when you’re coming with sufficient notice.)
One thing I remember about that first occasion was I was struck with how young she appeared. Young in so many ways. And not immature young. Vibrant young. Dynamic young. Lively young. So young. What a tremendous woman she was when I first met her. Being young is something that I recall being in those years more by my immaturity and lack of taking responsibility at times. Not really about that dynamic ‘we can conquer everything’ sort of enthusiasm that you get with youth. Although I do concede that taking the decision to move to the middle of nowhere is something that was done out of youthful zeal on my part (not misplaced zeal either as it transpired).
Anyway, she was young. Vibrantly young. And she was a beautiful young woman. I didn’t think about her in the marriage way when I saw her and it wasn’t love at first sight for us. Definitely not for her. But for reasons that God alone knows, we stayed in touch. We grew in love. She changed my life forever by agreeing to be my wife and she has been a great friend, a superb mother to our children. an extraordinary woman and a great reason for me to praise God for His goodness towards me.
Truly if I did not take the decision to move to Stoke-on-Trent, I may never have met her. My life would never have been as massively enriched as it has been for knowing her.
Oh and all these years later, she’s still got that vibrancy. She’s still so young at heart. Even as her daughters hit their teens, she is not out of touch with them at all. Yes indeed, I am blessed beyond measure because of her in my life.
I am grateful to God for this beloved woman in my life. He really does give us the best for our good.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 