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Accepting The Gift
By John Ingrisano and Sponsored by R. J. Maves Photography of Ellison Bay
Nov 2, 2011 - 8:57:00 AM
Years
ago, I knew of a man who went off to fight in World War II, and he
became very good at it. However, when he came home, he could not handle
the peace. He died a sad, miserable alcoholic. Well,
I know how he must have felt … kind of. Over the years, I have
struggled through many challenges. Every day I arose to do battle with
dragons; that was much of my life. So, you can imagine that most of my
prayers have been calls for support, relief from pain, or just
complaints that the reinforcements had not arrived on my time schedule. Well,
here’s the scary part: My prayers have been answered (well, except the
one about the pony and the Mercedes). No, my life is nothing like I
had imagined or prayed for -- it’s better, much better. The dragons are
either all slain or fleeing for their lives. I have faith,
forgiveness, healthy children and grandchildren (all of whom seem to
think I’m pretty okay), love of a steady woman, good friends and a
welcoming faith home. But
here’s the punch line: What do I do now? How do I live in a valley
filled with peace and balance? I have no idea what to do with these
gifts. Scary. Dare I lay down my sword? Almost makes me want to run
out and start a war, pick a fight, run away. But I will not. My
point/my challenge (ah, a challenge; thank God!): I pray for the
strength – with grace and gratitude – to learn how to accept, cherish,
and just enjoy these soothing and wondrous blessings … without guilt or
a need to go out and look for some struggle to embrace. I suspect I am
not alone in this. If you fear peace and acceptance, are more
comfortable in conflict and pain than in gentle balance, I encourage you
to offer it up to God, who, I believe, actually want us to be
peace-filled and joyful. “Ask it and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will opened to you.” -Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7) Oh,
and maybe, just maybe, I can now devote my time and my limited talents
to helping others rather than studying my own self-absorbed and
lint-filled navel! I think that’s the best part of all, recognizing
that there is a world of need out there … and maybe it’s time to do
something about it. God bless you.
Serving Door & surrounding counties, R.J. Maves
Photography provides wedding, real estate, food, and business
photography. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to produce
the finest result for our clients.
Does your website
need some sprucing up? We can give your site a facelift with new
photos, design, and marketing sizzle.
Call Bob Maves
to discuss your upcoming event or
project!
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