EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Newspapers have every right to publish court records and divorce records. I am so thankful I am not in either list. I know many who have been.

Unfortunately, we have a lot of negative in life.

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.” Proverbs 24:17, New American Standard Bible

We also have a lot of sadness — obituaries, other difficult news stories.

I learned years ago, from a blessing, to take the hard and make it extraordinary. Our son was in an accident at the end of the school year when he was younger. Close friends of ours gifted us with an air conditioner — as it was going to be a long hot summer, with our son in a bed set up in the living room to heal from the accident. To this day, I often thank God for that family and pray for them.

Prior to that, we were also gifted with a dryer, after about seven years of not having one. I remember taking a black sharpie and putting the name of the gift givers on it. I prayed a lot for them; as I did a lot of laundry with a larger family.

I read the court records, the divorce records, the obits, the marriage announcements, the news stories and often pray for the individuals going through tough times, sad times and even times of joy.

I also pray when I see a fire truck, an ambulance and often when I see someone pulled over by a police officer. These are all stressful and hard times. I am, of course, thankful it is not me being pulled over, but I never want to be that person that rejoices at someone else’s misfortune and hardship.

I want to challenge you each this week to also take on one of these practices. It will make others’ lives better and it may just change your perspective on those less fortunate.

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