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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

Being just 18, I had always lived with my parents. After we married on that rainy day on June 19, 1982, I moved into Greggy’s bachelor farmhouse.

I’m past the big 60 now and headed to 61, and I still haven’t gotten used to being alone when he must travel. I get a bit sappy, and I miss him.

Recently, that was the case when he went to Colorado for work.

Travel usually goes well. However this time it was a challenge. There was low tire pressure on the way to the airport. Just in case you haven’t had this happen, not all gas stations have air — thus resulting in two stops on an already tight timeframe.

A wife forgot to pack swim trunks for hot tubbing, thus resulting in a shopping trip instead of longer hike time with others.

Side note: since he had to shop, bless his heart, Greggy also found some cute earrings for me. I love being loved!

The trip’s destination went well, which was a big win.

Greggy was encouraged, challenged and a good time was had by the directors from across the states.

The last part of the trip — aka, the “suitcase journey” — was a challenge. They had asked him to check his carry-on at the gate, so he did, which resulted in the suitcase going on its own little adventure.

Greggy’s flight came into the cities late, and by the time he got off the bus at Park & Ride, he noticed the only suitcase remaining was not his!

Opening it, just to make sure, he was a bit alarmed to find high heels and all things girly.

He arrived home without his suitcase.

After many calls, making lists of the items enclosed and hoping she would return the manly suitcase to him, he had to just wait.

After a full day the contact was made with the airport and, thus began the retrieval process.

This meant another trip to the airport, and it had to be Greggy himself.

Have you ever taken a wrong turn or destination in life? Have you ever lost something only to be so excited to find it? The Bible talks about lost things also. The lost sheep, (Luke 15:4-7) the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) and lastly, the lost person — the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-13)

The rejoicing that follows when what was lost or gone is returned is a joyous time of celebration, even for a suitcase!

I can’t help but think of, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” — Matthew 7:, King James.

The visual I have hanging in my house is of a little girl standing at a moss-covered door on her tippy toes, reaching for the doorknocker.

If you find yourself lost, today is the day to return. You will be met with wide open arms by a kind, loving and compassionate Savior.

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