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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

I awoke early before the sun rose. Nothing on my mind except coffee and writing. Sort of quietly (I try but I am clumsy and drop things, sorry Greggy — I know you want to sleep longer) I turn on the coffee machine as the radio welcomes me to the kitchen. It seems a bit odd; I have things to do but rush past them as I want to write.

Usually, I have a thought, and the topic is on my fingertips but not this day. However, I just sat down and started.

My mind is quiet. Again, unusual as my brain is often a ping-pong game where things are flying around in there like a blizzardy snowstorm at night.

Thoughts (snow) blasting me (windshield) and then — Go! — action! Focus. Today, though, it was quiet, yet my fingers kept moving on the keypad.

Gratefulness is the snow hitting the windshield. Thankfulness. Appreciation. Happiness.Contentment.

A few days ago, I ran into a dear friend who through the years has been an encouragement to Greggy and I and the ministry we work at. He has faithfully served as a husband, father, friend and pastor for many years. We had a delightful little chat right in front of the meat section. As I left the conversation it amazed me that he made it a priority to bless me with words of encouragement and appreciation. How often do I forget in a conversation to “atta gal/guy” boost up the other person? We often do the laundry list of weather, how are you, kids, family, life (all in a few minutes) and then boom we laser focus on ourselves. Hand raised high. Yup, that’s me, commonly referred to as relationship failure! Not him. Thank you, Pastor Roy, for the life lesson that I need to re-learn of putting others first.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” — Philippians 2:3-5, NLT

The conversation was short and yet it’s impact was massive on my life. Thank you to all you dear readers, who take time to share in my life as you read, encourage, drop a note or “atta girl” me when we meet! You are such an example of kindness, and we all need more kindheartedness in this world.

“Kindness is an essential part of Gods work and ours here on earth.” — Billy Graham

I appreciate you!

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