EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Father’s Day originated by a daughter: Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas, and wanted to honor and celebrate her father, a Civil War veteran.

William Jackson Smart was a single parent and raised six children. The first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.

Today, we honor all fathers! On a personnel note, Dad, I love you, forever and always! Andy, my father-in-love, you amaze me and I am proud to be one of the four daughters you now have, since you had to wait a bit, having four boys! These dads have had health issues this past year, making me more conscience of my appreciation and love; they are remarkable men. I am a blessed daughter. Shout out also to Greggy, who is an amazing dad and grandpa; I am honored to be married to you.

I have been honored to know many noble men. Some men who have inspired me with one-line advice:

TZ: Always think the best of people first. This is a great fundamental principal.

Paul: Ask “What’s your interest?” This has helped me in many first contact conversations; going deeper with getting to know people.

Jonathan: What rules your heart today? This question or challenge focuses me. I have a big sticky note on my desk, so I remember Jesus rules first and foremost.

Roy: Contentment comes when I realize everything I need is in Jesus. This settles my anxious being.

Larry: When asked, “how are you?” he always responded, “Best day of my life.” I like that attitude.

Bob: Choose your battles. He may have borrowed this saying from someone else, however, it was the first time I heard it when he encouraged a weary young momma. I have carried this advice in my back pocket ever since.

Stan: When greeted and asked how he was, he would reply, “I’m super-fine stupendous copothetically great.” That’s a happy way of thinking! It’s like a magnet, you want to be like that also. Another thing he would say was, “I will live until I die and then my real life will begin.” Someday, I to will be dancing with him in heaven. Until then, may I chisel this truth and promise into my life.

Another man who has inspired, encouraged, propelled me and held me close to his heart is Jesus.

He has many, many names. Here is some of my favorite and a reference or two — not a complete list, however; look some up yourself.

Abba: Romans 8:15, Mark 14:36 and Galatians 4:6,

Father: over 250 references in the Bible

Deliverer: 1 Thessalonians 1:10

I am: John 8:58

Lord of all: Philippians 2:9-11

Our Hope: 1 Timothy 1:1

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 New King James version

I desire to have my father’s heart.

Happy Father’s Day to all the earthly fathers today!

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