DailyConnections.net

SUNDAY THOUGHT 7/31/11

LIFE WISH

“I have a death wish,” my brother, Lou, once told me with a shrug when I asked why he does medical mission work to the most dangerous places on earth.  I almost believe it.  Almost.    

•  He got mobbed by a group of street children in South America who discovered he had a knapsack full of tennis balls.  (He brought them for the children, but had to abandon the knapsack for his own safety.)    
•  He faced armed and nervous teenage militants in Darfur who weren’t sure his papers were in order.  (He kept working on patients in a makeshift clinic while, guns aimed at him, they sorted out the papers, which I suspect they could not read.
• He got lost one night after going for a walk in Kabul, Afghanistan.  (He ended up hunkering down with Pakistan troops behind sandbags until the U.S. Embassy opened in the morning.)

 Why does he do it? No, he’s not a thrill seeker or a glory hound.  I believe it is because he has a “life wish,” a restless need to devote is life to something that actually counts and that actually makes him feel alive.  I know the feeling.  We all do. 

 When he is at home, just doing the routine medical stuff at the hospital in Bar Harbor, Maine, he is bored to death, restless, and borderline (if not downright) miserable. 

That kind of explains why he created the “Outer Island Initiative” years ago, bringing medical care to residents of Maine’s offshore islands (and picking up a reputation along the way as one of the best Physician’s Assistants in the country); why he runs triathlons at the age of 64, even though his body is wracked with arthritis; and why he became  a 2^nd degree black belt in Karate (the hard contact stuff) several decades ago. 

 Why does he do medical mission work in dangerous places?  First of all, he is drawn, almost magnetically, to the children.  They haunt him in his sleep, he once told me.  And though he never quite admitted that he has a need to feel alive and meaningful, he did once share with me that “this is what I do, this is what matters to me.”  He is driven to fulfill a sense of purpose, to make sense of the often meaningless days and days and days of our lives. He didn’t write a check for Haiti relief; he went down there personally. 

My point:  It is only when we feel focused with a genuine, credible purpose (not a mindless goal of beating our own best golf score or growing the world’s biggest pumpkin) that life matters.  I am jealous of my brother; he reminds me that there is a meaningful, important reason why we were born.  Lou makes me restless to go out and, once again, find my sense of purpose … real purpose.    – jri

“For the secret of man’s being is not only to

live … but to live for something definite.

Without a firm notion of what he is living for,

man will not accept life and will rather destroy

himself than remain on earth ….”

                       –  Fyodor Dostoevsky

                             (edited out copy from The Brothers Karamazov)

Lou leaves this week for Libya, a hot war zone.  He expects to be gone three weeks.  Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts.  I suspect that he will spend that time miserable, tormented, yet joyful in his own way.  I am so proud of the old guy.      

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 31, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/29/11

Fame & Glory

 I’m  a member of Toastmasters, a terrific organization, and I just completed a series of ten speeches to receive what is known as the “Competent Communicator” designation.  Along the way, I also received eight first-place trophies.  I am pleased.  Fame and glory and trophies are neat, as is wealth. 

However, after the applause dies down, what really warms my heart is being tackled and hugged by one of my five sticky-fingered grandkids, getting a just-because-I-love-you phone call from a friend or family member, or waking up and knowing that this God of mine cares enough to love me, though only He knows why.  All told, nice life. 

My point:  My heart goes out to people who keep chasing the wrong things.  I believe they believe that if life is going to be so unsatisfying, it is better to be rich and miserable than just miserable.  They do not see the third choice, the better choice, the only choice … a choice that is far from miserable. – jri

“I was stupid and ignorant;

     I was like a brute beast toward you.

Nevertheless I am continually with you;

     you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will receive me with honor.”

                         —  Psalm 73:22-24

A friend died the other day.  Like all of us, he had his strengths and his flaws.  He never made a fortune or changed the world in a big way.  No history book will record his name.  (It is Fred, by the way.)  He had a hard life, with the tough times etched in long wrinkles and crags across his face.  His death is a reminder to me that life is fleeting, as impermanent as a wisp of wind, and that we should use the few years we have to bring joy to and share love with others.  Enjoy your blessings.  Share your blessings.  

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 29, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 7/28/11

…AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

Even though I’m a believer, I get no bonus points for that — no sweet trips down Easy Street with a glowing halo on my head or a dreamy, beatific smile plastered across my face.  No, let’s get one thing straight:  Life can be a bear … a big, snarly, hairy bear.  And I suspect I’m not alone when I say that I get discouraged now and then, so much so at times that I give God a piece of my mind.  (Yes, a prayer can begin, “God, I need to have a word with you!”)

So what?  You see, the real thing about believing is that I know (let me repeat that:  I KNOW) that no amount of money in the bank or high-tech toys in the garage can fill that sweet-spot ache deep in my soul … that spot where, when I shut up and just listen and let it alone, I know the Truth (notice the capital T in Truth), and everything makes sense.  (Feel that just once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.  I promise.) 

My point:  Life’s a bear; it wasn’t meant to be easy.  Set out to disprove that, and you’ll be on a fool’s quest.  Better idea:  Treat the pain with something a bit more substantial than a fine micro-brew, hot sports car, or devotion to sculpting the perfect, hard-body physique.  Just relax and enjoy your blessings.  And, yes, amid the frustrations, the blessings are many … and they are awesome.  Just sit back, acknowledge them, and enjoy.  – jri

“Life’s a lemon and I want my money back.”

                                   —  Meatloaf

Why are we here? Seriously.  That’s one tough question.  In fact, that’s Ground Zero of all questions.  I used to think it was for the pure joy and fun of romping across the fruited plain of life.  Life was short, and I had to get as much fun in as possible.  (Ah, the joys of youth.)  Now?  Well, I know we’re here to try to be there for others:  first, to ease their pain when they figure out that the fool’s quest will never pan out; second, to let them in on the clue that this God that made the world is pretty awesome, and they really ought to know about Him.  Busy life, I’d say.  Have a joyous, wondrous, purpose-filled day.  Amen. 

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 28, 2011

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/20/11

JC SUPER HERO?  NAH!

Jesus Christ would have failed as a super hero.  Sure, He could heal an illness, give sight to the blind, cure a leper.  (Cool.)  Sure, he could wither an under-producing fig tree with a glance.  (Way cool.)  Sure, He could even control the weather and command a storm to stop making such a fuss.  (Awesome.) 

But He never smote an enemy.  Not a one.  (Sigh.)  He didn’t knock down walls or beat up the bad guys.  I mean, imagine Him standing on a hill and mowing down legions of Romans with a flick of His fingers; or at least shutting up some of His major critics, such as the Pharisees, by making them run out of the temple with loose bowels.  You get the picture.  He could have been somebody … somebody BIG.  But He didn’t do anything.  No Captain Israel, this Jesus Christ.

My point:  Not really sure, except that, with all that awesome power, Jesus was not into power.  He wasn’t an avenger; he was (and still is) a Redeemer.  He could have cowed (or impressed) people into following Him, but He did none of that.  He could have blown their doors off, so to speak … but He didn’t.  Instead, He came, he taught us, and then He died for us.  (Way, way, way awesome.)  In that respect, He’s my Super Hero.  Quite a guy and quite a God. – jri

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was great calm.” – Mark 4:39

I like the idea of a God who invites me and accepts me rather than one who threatens and beats me.  I don’t follow my God out of fear of being struck down.  I’d go to hell first rather than kneel to that kind of god.  I follow Him because, after years of experience, study, wrong doors and honest questing, I have found that He is a God who makes sense … all the time.  He is consistent and steady, the same loving, caring God when I am ignoring Him on Saturday night as when I am adoring Him on Sunday morning.  I appreciate this God because He lets me fall, and then picks me up when I am down, forgives me when I fail (again and again and again), and stands by me during tough times and good times.  No, He doesn’t spoil me rotten with more earthly blessings than I can handle (and I admit there are times when I wish He would), but He always gives me enough … just what I need, even when I don’t know I need it.  No, my God isn’t an avenging super hero.  He’s God, and what an awesome God He is!     

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 20, 2011

MONDAY THOUGHT 7/18/11

A WEALTHY MAN

People who know me know that, over the last seven years or so, I went from prince to pauper due to poor business decisions, misplaced trust, a few other personal setbacks, and The Great Recession.  During this whole time (well, except for more than a few of those two a.m. agnostic moments), I had a growing awareness that my material losses were being counter-balanced by a wondrous growth in spiritual wealth. 

The biggest thing I lost was not my material wealth, but my cock-of-the-walk attitude, my self-centered, arrogant, self-absorbed, look-at-me pride.  (On television, I recently heard it referred to as “The Church of Me.”)  What I gained:  Wow!  A growing realization (and every-now-and-then peace and understanding, too) that I am not in charge or in control.  Bonus lesson:  That’s a good thing, because I have not a clue what is best for me or what I really want or need. 

My point:  Our wealth has nothing to do with our boats and cars and bank accounts.  All that does is make us arrogant.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with material goods.  I enjoy the good life as much as anyone.  However, the real satisfaction, peace and joy (the “something” that fills that gaping pothole in our souls), that comes from God … from trusting, believing and relying on Him. — jri  

 These days, I work hard, cherish my many blessings, put it all in God’s hands (well, much if not most of it; to say “all” would not be quite true), and appreciate that my enough is certainly more than enough.  I am also keenly aware that it took a sustained series of whackings with a two-by-four across the bridge of my nose for God to get my attention.  In short, the great losses were actually great blessings.  Funny how God works.  Amen.      

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/13/11

WHY ARE WE HERE?

I have an acquaintance – a bit of a reprobate – who snarfs down God’s blessings at the buffet table without the slightest thought of paying the bill.  He is a taker who acknowledges the existence of God (as if God should be grateful), says he tries to be nice to kids and old folks, and then uses and abuses pretty much everyone else.  He never considers the questions:  Okay, God, so why am I here, and what can I do for you? 

 Then I realize, darn, I’m about the same way.  Every day I wake up to a cornucopia of blessings: health, family, love, faith, forgiveness, opportunity, and hope (hope is a big one).  I take them, toss back a mechanical “Thank you, God,” and then gallop off across the landscape in pursuit of my own ever-so-important goals.

My point:  God is pretty darn nice to us.  (If you do not think so, maybe you need to rethink the whole equation, because He is!)  Most of all, unless you’re a turnip, you know – if not openly, at least deep down inside – that all of life and all our blessings come from Him.  So, why are we here?  Well, maybe – just maybe – it is for more than just to scratch out goodies and focus on ourselves.  Maybe – no maybe about it, actually – it is to share our blessings, help others recognize them, and offer it all back to God.  And, most of all, to give thanks!  – jri 

Every once in a while, I marvel at the miracle of my life.  Like the tumblers in a combination lock, I see how many times – and I speak figuratively here — I’ve been shot at and missed or been pulled back from speeding express trains.  From having been spared from abortion (a conscious decision my parents made, against the recommendations of doctors who said carrying me full term would kill my mother; it didn’t) to walking away unscratched from car accidents, to having been spared a wealth of just desserts from foolish decisions of a foolish youth … and older.  No, the fact is that I am blessed, and there are times when the extent of those blessings comes to my mind clearly and powerfully.  My reaction?  Joy at being special in God’s eyes (and we all are, so don’t think I’m His favorite … just one of many), and sadness at having not done more to show my appreciation.  Suggestion:  Today, join me in being grateful, just grateful; no whining, no worrying, no wondering.  Just grateful.  God bless.    

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 13, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/8/11

OH, YEAH?  PROVE IT!

I know people who believe the most outrageous things, often without thought or proof.  They love what they believe (how they “feel”) mostly because, well, because it is their idea, their thoughts.  In truth, it is an ego thing.  No need to bother them with the facts.  They believe what they choose to believe, even when you hit them with contradictory information … including facts or at least a reasonable degree of probability.  Frustrating.      

When it comes to faith, I’ve had scoffers run me around the flag pole until I broke a sweat.  Still, they clung to their unbelief.  (I’ve had one friend, a good man and honest thinker, step back from that final step to belief by announcing:  “You cannot disprove the existence of God.”  Then he continued in his non-belief.  Very frustrating.) 

My point:  When I read the passage below, I realized that the words are from the lips of Peter, Christ’s close companion.  Now, I know that words may have been gained or lost through various versions over the two hundred or so year gap between when first written and set as gospel (get it?) by the Church, so there is some wiggle room for doubt.  So, I guess my point is that believers will believe, while scoffers will point to possible loop holes.  Sigh.  – jri 

My biggest problem (well, among the top ten, thank you) is that I fall into the trap of thinking I can argue people into belief, rather than just sharing what God has done in my own life, and then letting the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.  Remember (and this is a note to self, as well), faith is a gift.  We cannot pound the love of God in people’s heads or put them on the rack, as was done during the Inquisition.  No, actually, it seems to me that all we can do are three things:  First, love them (yes, even the toads).  Second, let them know how important God is our lives.  Third, do our best to live our own lives as witnesses to the love of God.  Other than that … well, I guess there is nothing other than that.  God bless.   

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 8, 2011

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/6/11

Jekyll & Hyde 

No, I’m not talking about Heckle and Jeckle, the cartoon crows.  I refer to the 1886 novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson about a respected physician, Dr. Jekyll, who took a drug that turned him into a violent killer.  

In this story, Stevenson captured our two natures — good and evil – and the war between the two that is waged within us.  Since some folks hate the idea of “good versus evil,” let me rephrase it as the tug of war between our earthly nature and our spiritual nature: our desire for glory, wealth, comfort, pleasure and self-indulgence versus our desire for true peace, fulfillment, joy … God’s way.  

My point:  Nothing too profound; just that for many of us – or at least for me – life is often a pull-me-push-me challenge in different directions.  Oh, and I guess it’s okay, the way it should be.  That’s because if we lose the battle, we will not be able to recognize good from evil; if we win it every day, we risk becoming smug moralists.  So, enjoy the contest.  – jri 

I admit that I especially like the final line from today’s verse: Please don’t give up on me!  I find that some people give up on God (a friend once told me matter-of-factly that, due to the untimely — and unrelated — deaths of two children and his wife, he and God were not on speaking terms.)  Me? I’m fine with God; it’s me I tend to give up on.  Still, I confess that part of me enjoys the battle, recognizing that if God sees something good in me, maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.  God bless.       

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 6, 2011