EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Have you ever felt like doing cartwheels?

Have you ever been so happy that joy just oozes out of you?

That’s how I feel!

Since, I can’t really do cartwheels anymore, if ever, I will instead just communicate my thankfulness to be asked to be a columnist by Sarah and Crystal. I find it an honor and blessing! I will be sharing with you, the readers, monthly and at times bi-monthly. My column is entitled “EN(dur)ANCE,” the same title used for my speaking ministry, the subtitle meaning: life during the storms.

My given name is Robin L. Beckman and have been married for 36 years to my best friend, Greg Gudal. We both grew up in Bricelyn — he for his whole life, me since sixth grade. My parents moved many times before settling in Bricelyn. Our family has a long history there. One grandpa owned and operated the Bricelyn Meat Market for many years, the other grandpa managed Owatonna Canning Co., as did my father later. My parents owned and operated the Bricelyn Hardware Store for many years. I worked there, also at Bud’s Café and Chucks Grocery Store. I even owned my own business as a young woman, The Wearhouse, a used clothing store.

Greg and I married young, me at 18 and him 24. I tease him that it’s like he has had three wives. The young footloose and fancy-free teenager, the budding young woman and momma. And now, the middle-aged, 55, maturing, nana and wife capable of getting a discount at Culver’s. Greg and I really enjoy spending time together and cherish the moments we have. We are blessed!

The proudest badge I wear is momma and nana. We have two “bios,” as I call them, biological adult children. We also have two chosen, foster adult children. The chosens have blessed Greg and I with eight grandchildren and one great. I love my family! I enjoy being with them. There is a saying that states: “Hanging out with your grown-up kids, is like visiting the best parts of yourself.” (quoted by Dr. Nicole Letourneau)

I also truly enjoy my friends, and I consume a fair amount of chi tea latte in their presence. Greg and I have been in full-time ministry for over 30 years. I am a mentor to numerous amazing young women. I am focusing and pursuing more time of late on reading, writing, speaking and resting. I love to scrapbook, watch movies, cook and just be. I am passionate about the things I do. I am fascinated with quotes and verses that apply to the right now in life. I am a flawed individual. I am an imperfect follower of Jesus. I am me. I look forward to sharing me with you in the months to come. My prayer is that you will be blessed by the words penned.

Robin (Beckman) Gudal, intentional in life, is a wife, momma, nana, friend, a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus Christ.