Are you living the life you once day dreamed about? I’m not! I’m not saying it’s bad or anything, but there is room for improvement. Especially if it is going to be like what I desired. I wanted a large family for myself. A real “Brady” bunch if you will. I love children. But after I saw the price tag for two my first wife and I decided that was enough. I wanted to marry into a large family. I did, but it wasn’t long before the realization of how one bad, sour fruit hanging on the family tree can spoil relations.
After I divorced it was many years before I dared say, “I do” a second time. And once again I found another sour fruit on the family tree. Then in my own family, yep you guessed it. Some of the sourest fruit you have ever been exposed to. So the dream of “one big, happy family” has never manifested.
I could be downright depressed about it, and at times I have been. I have prayed, asked, griped and complained. Eventually, God began to give me knowledge and understanding concerning the bad actors in this cast. That has helped. It certainly is better than giving up and running away, or doing everything and anything to avoid them.
I saw the sign in this photo and realized that’s what I’m doing, but hadn’t labeled it. God is helping me know that all I can do is make sure my attitude is right, and pleasing to him when it comes to family. I can enjoy the life I have with April, and make the most of it. I’m happy being retired, and writing books now. And next week I and my business partner will be hosting our first writer’s conference, held in the setting of an old west town. (see expwriting.com) Then my first book is coming out soon. A modern day novel, “Kill The Preacher Man”. I am extremely excited about that. So really, life isn’t what I wanted, but it’s not bad either! Thank you God for taking all of my messes, and making something that can be pleasing to you.
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thes. 5:16-18 (MSG)
Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 
Good for you for writing. I’ve thought about it but that is as far as I have gotten.
Yes, my life has not turned out as I had planned either. Thought I’d have a house with a white picket fence and all would be well. But that type of life doesn’t make for good stories. It’s been a very rough year to say the least. But through each trial God has proven himself faithful. Just this year I lost my dad, my husband had a frightening injury and was in the hospital for a couple weeks. Neither of us were working. Then my mom got in a horrible accident (She lives with us). And though both of them are now doing well and my husband is now working, I sit here with a broken foot. Time to stop and say,” God you have my attention, now what?” Lol. Oh, but God is good and so faithful. Didn’t expect to be in these situations. But all is well with my soul.👍
Thank you for being so brave to share “real” life. True, God did give us a rose garden, but mankind decided that he could do better. Well, he didn’t and the the rest of us are dealing with “sin” in the world. Those of us who want the garden will have it someday, but for now we simply have to trust and obey.
“Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends. we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.”
Thanks for the words you post as well. Blessings
Knowing that one day we will really be with the Lord makes everything worth it. What pure joy we will experiment
So grateful. God bless