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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

“If you’re happy, happy; clap your hands. If you’re happy, happy; you can smile.” — Author unknown

We’ve had two littles at our house, and this was my 5:45 a.m. “welcome to today song!”

On the heels of a wonderful long THANKSgiving weekend spent in New York with our son, we’ve been blessed to have the nana and papa hats on for a few days.

Last night, however, this nana went to bed very tired, a bit crabby (Greggy, you’re so loving to me) and somewhat overwhelmed by the list of things to do without a realistic deadline.

I, however, knew as I laid my head down beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was focusing on what’s important — people, not things.

In the Christmas devotional “Emmanuel” by Ruth Chou Simons, I glean this insight: “We operate out of the posture of our heart.”

When we were in line for security at the airport I noticed a young woman behind the glass with a heart-sore look and tears in her eyes. Next to her was a young man who gently comforted her with a sweet brush down her arm and an embrace. I don’t know their story, but I do understand her longing heart and thus I can fill in a narrative. It was a beautiful moment I was privileged to witness.

“Because of the mysterious substitution of Christ for the Christian, each encounter with a brother or sister is a real encounter with the risen Lord, an opportunity to respond creatively to the gospel, and mature in the wisdom of accepted tenderness. There is no escaping the gospel logic that all our thoughts, words and deeds addressed to others are in a real way addressed to Christ himself.” — portions of devotion “The Mysterious Substitution” by Brennan Manning

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” — Psalm 95:6, King James

This is the perfect time of year to reflect on the nativity. The focus is on one person: Jesus. All the animals, Mary and Joseph’s eyes are focused on the babe in the manager.

I know this scene is not 100% biblically accurate, but it beautifully displays where our eyes should be focused and challenges us to remember what’s important in life.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV

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