EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

I did not know Gordon. I know his sister. She is a dear friend. We met at DQ a few days after his death. She was sad and mourning. She is my friend, and through her I learned much about him. I learned how in the last few years they became more than siblings; they became friends. She is a faithful friend, so I know Gordon had an authentic and blessed relationship with her. I shared my second-favorite Bible verse with her — Psalm 56:8, NTL:

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

Her sorrow matters. As a friend, I wanted to have that moment together and then move on to joy. What better way to experience joy than laughter?

I shared with her I was going to a concert that night and invited her. She thought she would be in her PJs by the time it started. I told her I would take pictures and send them.

OK, I need to back up.

I love Michel Bublé’s music. I play it a lot. I am drawn to jazz. My mother liked jazz, as did her father. It is a connecting family trait.

I have gone to four — now five — jazz concerts. First, on a cruise our amazing children gifted us, we went to the jazz club, only to find out it was also a cigar club, so we only enjoyed (coughed through) two songs.

Then, on a beautiful Mother’s Day in New York, sitting in an amazing restaurant with my son, overlooking New York, I was almost gifted with another concert. Unfortunately, the band was late, and our table had the next mother waiting to celebrate her special day. We did enjoy their warmup and part of the first song.

In Chicago visiting our daughter, we went to another jazz club, one like in the movies: a down-the-alley, descend-the-dark-steps type. I was giddy! I even participated in the group sing and bopped around in a big circle following others — not my scene, so I don’t even know the correct term. My other Chicago jazz experience was in a quaint coffee shop. I love jazz. Then, my latest concert.

I knew it was not realistic to think I would be purchasing tickets to Michael’s concert (notice I believe we are on a first name basis). So, being a bit silly and creative, I thought I will go to a concert Robin-style.

I got all dressed up: a cute little black dress, black heels, hair in an up-do bun, red lipstick, full-on makeup and pearls to top it all off. I then went downstairs to my living room, got the big, comfy arm chair that sits at the head of our table — the king’s chair — and moved it right in front of my TV. Yes, my TV. I turned on the telly, waiting for the concert to start. I did selfies, of course — me, the TV with Michael so close it could confirm we really looked like friends. I sent my son a text telling him I was at a concert — and then he noticed the outline of the TV he had gifted us at Christmas time!

It was a great concert. I was joyful. My hubby may wonder a bit about me, but I had fun! My friend and I laughed. We had joy!

Psalm 126:5 NIV promises, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

What will you do to be creative and joyful this season? If you can’t think of anything, you can come to a concert at my house!

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