EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

After a surgery many years ago, I had to be on some strong pills — strong is the crucial word here. My body reacted to these pills in a very negative way. They made me crabby — really crabby — edgy and irritable.

My hubs, Greggy, came home from lunch to check on me. I remember only a portion of that day. The part I do remember is an interaction where I snapped on several occasions at him. I am guessing he was praying for a phone call or something from work so he could exit quickly! I remember I was so touchy, I didn’t even like myself in that moment.

As Greggy was to leave he asked me, “Do you plan to talk to anyone today?”

I replied with a no, likely firmly as it was the mood of the day.

“Ya, that’s probably a good idea!”

If you know my hubs, you know all his interactions with me would have been very kind and patient. He is a man full of grace, empathy and always sees first the goodness in people, even on days he has a crabby wife. 

I am blessed.

I love the prayer John Wesley prayed. It challenges me. He was ordained as an Anglican minister, he admitted at the time he lacked saving faith. He later attended a gathering and heard Martin Luther’s preface to Romans and his heart felt “strangely warmed.” He at that moment trusted Christ alone for his salvation.

“I put myself wholly into Thy hands; put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for Thee, or laid aside for Thee, or trodden under foot for Thee; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing, I freely, and heartily resign all to Thy pleasure and disposal. “

May we trust Christ alone.

“Jesus, make me (us) a person who is totally willing to be molded; to become kinder and more in your likeness.”

Amen and amen! 

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