I lived in Colorado years ago and had the pleasure of working with a gentleman, Gary Tedder, who is the father to Ryan Tedder, lead singer of One Republic. It was a delicate time in my life. Coming off of a 4 year relationship that went no where...28 years old. Alone. Single. Not much hope for a happy marriage or family in my future.
Gary is a wealth of knowledge. His diction alone is a full days worth of education. I would write down the words he said and go home and look them up. If you know him, you know that time spent with him is full of inspiration, encouragement and usually laughter. He knew my heart was on the mend and handed me a stack of a dozen or more relationship books to read. To do my homework so I would be ready, prepared and sure of who I was so when Mr. Right did come along....we wouldn't miss each other.
I read the books. I mended. Gary also introduced me to his father (Ryan's grandfather) who was a retired preacher. He worked with me....doing a temperament test and a few counseling sessions. He and his wife....amazing, amazing, amazing people. Their family is testimony to God's promise of blessing generations after generations for your obedience.
Ryan's band released their latest album, Native, last week. Hitting the charts with a bang. I immediately purchased and have been enjoying the beats as I learn the songs to memory.
Ryan's songs are good for the sounds, but if you look up the lyrics, you'll find his talent goes far beyond the mic. His soul is deep, transparent, and true. Shane & I love listening to his tracks for these reasons. Each song hits our hearts. Our minds. Our souls.
Colorado blessed me in countless ways....my network of friends who are like family being the best gift. From their love, their guidance, their encouragement in my faith....I found myself. They warned me...fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a ride. I laugh now....God is good. Looking at my husband sleep next to me, hearing Miles breathe over the monitor, kissing Finn before I go to bed...what a ride it has been. And what a joy flying back to CO and watching the relationships bloom between them and my family of friends there.
Our journey is now taking a turn....we now have an OH and CO address. One step closer to our goal to move there again some day. No home there yet....but the promise, the hope, the dream....
One day we will be in CO once again and I hope to give back to the community that helped me in the most fragile time in my life.
Ryan wrote a song on Native about his sweet grandfather called "Preacher". Highly recommend you give it a listen. Here are the lyrics to the chorus....
When I was a kid
My grandfather was a preacher
He'd talk about God
Yeah he was something like a teacher
He said 'God only helps those
Who learn to help themselves'
He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you could never spend his wealth
To the Tedder Family - thank you. Thank you for everything you've given me. You have blessed me and in turn, I can now share that love, knowledge and faith with the ones I love. God is good. :)
