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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Psalm 23:6 NIV: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I am a very blessed daughter-in-law and I well know this. My in-loves (a phrase I coined many years ago) say they are also blessed; I am humbled. I learned the lessons that they appreciate from Greggy’s mom, Shirley. She is such an amazing person on many levels. I can’t think of one time in over 37 years that she has meddled —not one, honestly! That is an amazing record. She has only been loving and supportive. She is a woman that loves Jesus and his love flows abundantly to others. She is in my corner and I have never questioned that. She is a prayer warrior and it has been easy to share hardships, concerns and my heart with her as we are on the same team. I am so very blessed.

I started with the verse because I often think of it; I know it is in reference to Christ, but you can’t help but compare surely and Shirley! She has been good to me and has loved me, all the days of my marriage. I know we are anticipating dwelling with Christ for eternity.

As I sit at my desk today, I see a little plaque (originally painted by Jean-François Millet) that sits on a shelf nearby —The Gleaners with Luke 18:1 NIV: “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

When my father-in-love talks about Shirley, he begins with her age (she looks much younger than her birthday celebrations), always followed by “She is a woman of prayer, she is a good woman! “

I know not each person reading has lived my experience; I am sorry. My challenge in this is simple: will we be called people of prayer, and of good character?

Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Matthew 25:21 ESV: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

Lastly, to all the mommas, happy Mother’s Day. I love you, Mom and Shirley.

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