Our week at NQC, this year, was both fun and busy. Jim’s schedule was filled to the brim with radio and TV interviews, in addition to a myriad of other things such as showcases and rehearsals. There were a few days that started around 8:00 AM and ended around 2:00 AM. There were also a few days when I didn’t see Jim until about 7 in the evening, simply because he had so much on his schedule that day.
For the second year now, I had a booth of my own and enjoyed all that entailed. From setting it all up, to visiting with friends and fans all week, to tearing it all down on Saturday night. It was a blast!
A funny thing that continually happened all throughout the week was that when friends would stop by my booth, they usually had one of two things to say. The most common was, “I just LOVE your husband!” and if he was out of the booth, “Where’s Jim?” It became so comical that a friend, who heard “Where’s Jim” about 7 times in a 5 minute period, said to me “I just want you to know that I came to see YOU!”
In spite of the fun, there were a few days when Jim’s schedule got so busy, I just wanted to say “Give him back, I’m tired of sharing!” I just missed him. Even “good busy” can be a little stressful. Now, I want you to know, I am not complaining. I look back fondly on the sweet memories we made and appreciate all of you who stopped by to visit us and share some words of encouragement or a story. I’m grateful to you who voted for Jim and the Booth Brothers in the Singing News Fan Awards. I’m so excited and proud of Jim’s accomplishments and more importantly, blessed by the fact that what he’s doing is making a difference in many lives! This may be a crazy life that we lead, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Now, move forward in time, to this past week. One of the girl’s in my bible study class at church requested prayer for her family as her husband will be leaving in December for his second tour in Iraq. She’s already thinking of how lonely she’ll be and how overwhelming it will be to take care of children and household needs, by herself, while her husband is so far away.
There was a part of me that identified with her because Jim is gone every week, sometimes for an extended period of time and there are days when I miss him terribly. At the same time, I realized the times I share Jim don’t begin to compare with how she is sharing her husband with our country. Our bible study class is going to be there for this family. We will be their support system and lend a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand, whenever needed.
Is there someone you could take a little extra time for, to encourage them? You might mow the grass, take them to lunch, hang a picture, watch the kids or simply be a shoulder they can lean on. As we take time to love and strengthen our own families, let’s also be there to love, strengthen and encourage our friends!
Author: Melissa Brady
| Author's Website: http://jimandmelissabrady.com
Written: 11/01/2009
| 
Category: Love Stories
Comments: 3
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so.......where's jim? lol!
Wonderful article, Melissa! I don't know who could not use a little encouragement these days! Walking daily in the love of God is the key! Your article was very well put!
We thoroughly enjoyed NQC and was so glad to see Jim take home the Favorite Baritone award! Now if we can just get everyone on board to vote him Favorite Songwriter! 
He certainly has been blessed with a wonderful God-given talent!
Many blessings to you both! 
Amazed in His presence and humbled by His great love!
“God makes everything happen at the right time.” (In His Time) Eccl. 3:11
Great article, Melissa. Gives us something to think about that we can do to help those in bad situations. Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband with all of us. God bless you both in your ministries & lives.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
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