EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Philippians  1:21 New International Version:  “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

This verse is my hub’s (AKA husband’s) favorite verse. Greg (AKA “Greggy,” to me) had a birthday this week and I am so thankful for him. I am a blessed woman.

When I was a teenager, a pastor’s wife — as we were standing in her kitchen — gave me some sage advice, however, it was not relevant at the time. I remember the location and that advice as if she told it to me yesterday.

“Never marry a man you have not seen cry.”

I would later learn its importance.

Greggy has a very tender heart, much like my father — as they say, you often marry a man like your father. Both are men of integrity, conviction, are trustworthy and have a hard work ethic. I have watched both and learned much from them.

Isaiah 32:8 (NIV): “But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.”

Mark 10:8 New American Standard Bible: “And the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.”

I wouldn’t want to share this with anyone but Greggy!

This poem sums up how I feel: “I’d Marry You Again” by Carla Flamm.

“Do you know how much I love you

How much you mean to me

I can’t imagine my life without you

My world would be empty

It seems like only yesterday

I first looked in your eyes

But the years have passed so quickly

Much to my surprise

The life we’ve made together

Our children and our home

The memories we have to cherish

How much our love has grown

Through the good times and the bad

You’ve been right by my side

You’ve made me smile, made me laugh

And wiped my tears when I have cried

You are my husband,  my companion

My lover, and my best friend

If I had the chance to do it over

I’d marry you again.”

I am so thankful God placed you in my life; I love you! Happy birthday week, my love!

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