EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

I have a muse. According to vocabulary.com, a muse is a person who serves as an artist’s inspiration. Often filmmakers talk about a certain actor being a muse, meaning the actor inspired a movie. Writers, painters, musicians and other artists have muses.

I have experienced inspiration! I have several people who inspire me.

My dad inspires me. I admire him. I watch him carefully; I always have. My dad also reads my columns; he likes them. He is biased, yes, but regardless, he tells me he likes them. He is a cheerleader for me. He inspires me.

My husband, Greggy, inspires me. He has so much energy, so much passion, so much drive. He is like the Energizer Bunny — oh, to have his ambition. He challenges me every day. He is the main person on this earth who pushes me to be a better person; he inspires me.

Who inspires you? Who is that someone in your life who helps you to become a better version of you? Who holds you accountable? A pastor? Mentor? Life coach? Friend? Don’t have anyone? Who do you go to to process, to grow, to work through this messy think called life?

I share with you my greatest inspiration; his name is Jesus.

“We know also that the son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 New International Version

Having worked with teens for many years, many have inspired me deeply. One such amazing young lady recently experienced a great loss in her life. A loss I as an adult would struggle with. She has also struggled. Likely because she is young, she hasn’t learned the perfected art of avoiding or dodging questions or her emotions. We spent a full day together, we had fun, we had quite moments, serious moments and silly moments. We just lived life authentically for the day. As evening drew near, we went to a Christian event together to hear a speaker.

Part way through she whispered to me, “Don’t think I am weird, but I am going to kneel.”

I didn’t think she was weird, I was moved by her desire to practice a position of respect, reverence and surrender. She not only kneeled but she bowed her head. She inspired and challenged me.

Words from the song “Point to You” by We Are Messengers sums it all, “I know you want my heart, My bruises and my scars, I’m coming as I am, The only way I can, I can’t forget from where I’ve come, And what my heart’s been rescued from, Yeah when they ask me who, I owe my whole life to, I point to you, when they ask me who, I owe my whole life to, I point to you.”

Be a muse! Inspire!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 New International Version

May you be inspired to do good and influence others.

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