The “Who’s” In Your Life

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

“So no one told you life was going to be this way.
Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, you’re love life’s DOA.
It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear,
Well, it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.”

Do you recognize those words? The famous opening lyrics to the hit TV show, “Friends”. There are a lot of different people in your life. Some you choose and, well, others you didn’t, but we’ll ignore them for now. The ones you chose are your friends. You picked them and got to know them because you were like minded, for the most part, and yet even if their lifestyle and choices are different than yours, you enjoy being around them. They make you laugh, they make you feel important, and perhaps, even loved.

As I write this post I am recounting the past few days. I have had the privilege of getting to spend time with 10 different friends in different ways.

My friend Steve: He called me and we caught up. We laughed, we remembered, and we encouraged each other. He and I used to spend Saturday nights, after church, at McWillows talking, laughing, and wondering what to do with our love lives, or the lack of. It felt so good to hear his voice again. Steve is the man God used to get me writing. He simply asked, “What’s keeping you from writing?” Three days later I found the answer, and decided to take the risk.

My friend Roger: I worked with him on his current home remolding project. Blood, sweat and the prevention of tears. My friend needed help, and encouragement and I got to be there for him. There is nothing as satisfying as finishing a day’s work, stepping back and saying, “It is good.” I think God coined that phrase.

My friend John: It had been a while since I had spoken to John, who I used to work with, so I called him. His company is closing his department and I was concerned about his future, but he informed me he will be okay as he is transferring to a new department that supports the State Farm Insurance Company and my friend will now be known as “Jake, from State Farm”. I asked him what he was wearing. If you are aware of the TV commercial then you are laughing.

My friends Andrew and Debra: I met Andrew on the commuter train that ran in and out of Chicago. After very little communication, I saw his wrist band, and asked about it. Since that day the communication hasn’t ended. God used Andrew to help me learn about opportunities where my skills in writing could grow. I later met his wife Debra. This past week they came to visit me where we applied Covid safety. We had a great time catching up as I had not seen them in four years.

My friend Michael: The next day Michael made a stop with his friend as they are exploring Route 66. Michael was a summer intern at AT&T some years ago, and we became friends. Again, it was good to catch up and spend time together while respecting Covid.

My friend Chris: We are staying in touch, especially after he fought a hard bout with Covid and with God’s help, won! Chris is a good man who cares about others.

My friends Russ and Ginger: I received a letter (a piece of paper written on and then folded and placed in an envelope, addressed, and stamped, then placed in the mail) from them that caught me up and touched my heart.

My favorite friend: Every night, I get to see and talk to my wife via Messenger. Lately, we have gotten excited about our future and we have been dreaming concerning how it will work out. So many things are coming together that were once a mystery.

A man who has good friends is rich beyond measure.

The friends mentioned above have been so helpful, encouraging, and uplifting over the years, each in their own way. Jesus is also our friend and He will stay with you closer than a brother. That is if you have invited him to be one of the Who’s in your life. Having good friends requires you be a good friend. Some friends may come and go in and out of your life, but the good ones stay and are there for your day, your week, your month, or even your year. And this year has proven to be one that requires good friends.

I’m Not a Gardener

February 12, 2020 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

Charlie 021220 1 You might not be a gardener if you purchase annuals thinking it will save you money by not having to buy more flowers next year. Yes, that really happened. As I was planting them, my neighbor watched for a moment and then she said, “You don’t know what you’re doing!” “I know,” I replied, “but I’m having a great time!”

A few months ago I heard, “Every relationship has a gardener and a flower.” In some of my relationships I know I’m the gardener. Just like planting those flowers, I don’t always know what I am doing. I do know one thing though, flowers are fragile and when around them, one must be very careful. As the gardener, you should show love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The fruit of the Spirit of God. (Gal. 5:22-23)

The most common way to water a relationship is with words, but the ones chosen should be selected with wisdom. Do not speak to someone about issues in their life with a heart half listening. You like them, don’t you? Listen with intent. Pay attention. Be focused on them and please, I repeat, please do not look at your phone.

Realizing time is a valuable gift, giving it to someone can cost you so much. We, ourselves have so much to do and to get done. It seems as if there just isn’t enough time.

Don’t let them see the price tag attached to your time, and be extravagant!

Whenever I don’t know how to do something, or what to say to someone, I turn to God and ask him to give me words, or instructions. God loves us so much and is always available to talk to us. He gives you all the time you want, and he knows what to say.

God waters you enough to allow you to grow at the right speed.

He also knows how much to shine upon you. God, is a good, good gardener. Oh, and as for the price, his son, Jesus paid it for you.

Trust the master gardener to show you how to feed, and nourish someone else. I have come to recognize I enjoy gardening, in the spiritual sense. So I guess I would have to change the title now to, “I’m a Gardener”.

5 Gifts I Received From My Father

May 19, 2018May 18, 2018 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Jerry R Brady After my father passed away, recently, I reflected on his life, and realized there were a lot of gifts, “life lessons” he gave me, but today I want to share the 5 biggest ones.

5. My father taught me how to fish. You see, he is the greatest fisherman I have ever met. I realize I will never be as good as him, but I learned the sport of it, the joy of being in nature, and taking on the challenge. Go fishing, and take a young person with you.

4. My father taught me how to be a good worker. I can only count maybe 10 days my father missed work, other than weekends and vacations. He taught me; at work, look around, there is always something to do. Be loyal, and work hard.

3. My father showed me, you can talk to anyone. My father was funny, and even a few seconds after meeting a stranger, a friend, or a loved one they would be smiling. Spending time with someone is a gift. Be generous.

2. My father taught me how to plan, be organized, and resourceful. A greater gift than I ever realized when I was young. This lesson, has saved time, helped me be prepared, and in general, made life easier. Be ready for your next event.

1. My father (and mother) took me, and my sister, faithfully to church where I fell in love with the most amazing God. I accepted his free gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. I grew in knowledge of God, and dedicated my life to living for him. I have not always gotten it right, but my loving Heavenly Father has understood, has forgiven me, and has helped me to move on. This was the greatest gift my father and mother ever gave me. It’s the greatest gift you could ever give anyone. Share God.

Dad was ready for his final event as well. Dying. I hope you will be too. I pray if you have never made that decision to accept God’s greatest gift, you will right now. Just say, “God, I accept your Son, Jesus. I ask him to forgive me of my sins, my wrong doings in life, and to come into my life and show me how to truly live.”

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. (Phi 1:3 AMP) I love you Dad!