Trust
"Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."
Sometimes a lot of stuff comes our way and we feel that the steadfast love of God is missing. Trusting in God's steadfast love is not necessarily easy. It sounds like the Psalm writer is experiencing the difficulty of trust.
Have you ever been in a group that is working on trust exercises? One activity that facilitators sometimes use is called "Trust Fall". Here is how it works: One person stands facing away from the rest of the group. The assignment is to fall backwards into the arms of another person or persons in the group. Many people have great difficulty with this exercise. In Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays with Morrie. he tells of a time when Morrie asked his class to attempt this exercise. Mitch still remembers when one person was able to trust and fall backwards. The person was caught and it worked fine. Morrie, Mitch's professor, observed:
"You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too—even when you're in the dark. Even when you are falling." (Page 61)
A prayer for today: God, help me to trust. And, if it is possible, show me your steadfast love.
Ben Keckler 10.31.07
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Daily Devotions - Tuesday 10.30.07
Taking Courage, Moving Forward
Rabindranath Tagore had the gift of precision with language and thought. One of his compact prayers is filled with great power and I share it with you today:
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Ben Keckler 10.30.07
Rabindranath Tagore had the gift of precision with language and thought. One of his compact prayers is filled with great power and I share it with you today:
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Ben Keckler 10.30.07
Monday, October 29, 2007
Daily Devotions - Monday 10.29.07
Signs of Seasonal Change
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
Teach me."
A simple prayer song
The leaves with splendid color are falling and now before us are barren branches that remind us of change. I write this devotional on a day when I am giving thanks for an elderly friend who died just last night. Her journey of these past six months has not been easy; accepting diminishing abilities is really tough. On days like this I like to spend time reading prayers and thoughts written by other sojourners who have safely completed their earth bound tasks. Frenchman, Teilhard de Chardin, offers this insightful prayer:
When the signs of age begin to mark my body
(and still more when they touch my mind);
when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without
or is born within me;
when the painful moments come in which I suddenly waken
to the fact that I am ill or growing old;
and above all at the last moments
when I feel I am losing hold of myself
and am absolutely passive in the hands
of the great unknown forces that have formed me;
in all those dark moments, O God,
grant that I may understand that it is you
(provided only my faith is strong enough)
who is painfully parting the fibers of my being
in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance
and bear me away within yourself.
A prayer: Embrace my soul in the season of change, O Holy One.
Ben Keckler 10.29.07
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
Teach me."
A simple prayer song
The leaves with splendid color are falling and now before us are barren branches that remind us of change. I write this devotional on a day when I am giving thanks for an elderly friend who died just last night. Her journey of these past six months has not been easy; accepting diminishing abilities is really tough. On days like this I like to spend time reading prayers and thoughts written by other sojourners who have safely completed their earth bound tasks. Frenchman, Teilhard de Chardin, offers this insightful prayer:
When the signs of age begin to mark my body
(and still more when they touch my mind);
when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without
or is born within me;
when the painful moments come in which I suddenly waken
to the fact that I am ill or growing old;
and above all at the last moments
when I feel I am losing hold of myself
and am absolutely passive in the hands
of the great unknown forces that have formed me;
in all those dark moments, O God,
grant that I may understand that it is you
(provided only my faith is strong enough)
who is painfully parting the fibers of my being
in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance
and bear me away within yourself.
A prayer: Embrace my soul in the season of change, O Holy One.
Ben Keckler 10.29.07
Friday, October 26, 2007
Daily Devotions - Friday 10.26.07
Thought for the Journey
As we prepare for the weekend, I hope you have experienced some personal challenge with the devotions this week. I am hopeful that you have let the Spirit dance within you, that you have allowed your thoughts to be expanded, and that you may feel a bit better equipped for living in this global community.
• Enjoy this weekend, maybe jump in a pile of fallen leaves or pack a picnic lunch and go to a favorite park to enjoy nature's surroundings.
• Play this weekend, maybe toss a football around and see if you can keep from getting any body parts broken.
• Let your inner child be alive!
W. H. Davies puts it well: "It seems to me that the whole secret of life, if it is to be happy, is in the spirit of love; and when an old form of love dies we must take on the new. If life is to be made interesting and worth its breath, we must look on ourselves as growing children, right up to the end of our days."
A Prayer: O God, come to me, so that we may dwell together right up to the end. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.26.07
As we prepare for the weekend, I hope you have experienced some personal challenge with the devotions this week. I am hopeful that you have let the Spirit dance within you, that you have allowed your thoughts to be expanded, and that you may feel a bit better equipped for living in this global community.
• Enjoy this weekend, maybe jump in a pile of fallen leaves or pack a picnic lunch and go to a favorite park to enjoy nature's surroundings.
• Play this weekend, maybe toss a football around and see if you can keep from getting any body parts broken.
• Let your inner child be alive!
W. H. Davies puts it well: "It seems to me that the whole secret of life, if it is to be happy, is in the spirit of love; and when an old form of love dies we must take on the new. If life is to be made interesting and worth its breath, we must look on ourselves as growing children, right up to the end of our days."
A Prayer: O God, come to me, so that we may dwell together right up to the end. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.26.07
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Daily Devotions - Thursday 10.25.07
Thought for the Journey
You may want to live with this thought-provoking prayer by Ted Loder as you do your work today:
Holy One,
Gentle me into an unclenched moment,
A deep breath,
A letting go
Of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,
Of dead certainties,
That, softened by the silence,
Surrounded by the light,
And open to the mystery,
I may be found by wholeness,
Upheld by the unfathomable,
Entranced by the simple,
And filled with the joy
That is YOU!
May you be gently touched today, friends.
--Ben Keckler 10.25.07
You may want to live with this thought-provoking prayer by Ted Loder as you do your work today:
Holy One,
Gentle me into an unclenched moment,
A deep breath,
A letting go
Of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,
Of dead certainties,
That, softened by the silence,
Surrounded by the light,
And open to the mystery,
I may be found by wholeness,
Upheld by the unfathomable,
Entranced by the simple,
And filled with the joy
That is YOU!
May you be gently touched today, friends.
--Ben Keckler 10.25.07
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Daily Devotions - Tuesday 10.23.07
Thought for the Journey
I enjoy the change that comes with each season. I am reminded of the wisdom writer who tells us: "for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." (The book of Ecclesiastes)
One of my favorite quotes as the leaves begin to fall comes from Nancy Wood:
You shall ask what good are dead leaves,
And I will tell you they nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask what reason is there for winter,
And I will tell you to bring about new leaves.
You shall ask why are the leaves so green
And I will tell you because they are rich with life.
You shall ask why must summer end,
And I will tell you so that the leaves can die.
A Prayer: God, I thank you for the dying leaves (and my rake?).
Ben Keckler 10.23.07
I enjoy the change that comes with each season. I am reminded of the wisdom writer who tells us: "for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." (The book of Ecclesiastes)
One of my favorite quotes as the leaves begin to fall comes from Nancy Wood:
You shall ask what good are dead leaves,
And I will tell you they nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask what reason is there for winter,
And I will tell you to bring about new leaves.
You shall ask why are the leaves so green
And I will tell you because they are rich with life.
You shall ask why must summer end,
And I will tell you so that the leaves can die.
A Prayer: God, I thank you for the dying leaves (and my rake?).
Ben Keckler 10.23.07
Monday, October 22, 2007
Daily Devotions - Wednesday 10.24.07
Thought For The Journey
Eternal life is a phrase we often hear. What does that say to you? If we believe in eternal life, then what does that say about a person who has died? Are they dead or are they living?
I believe life is eternal.
I like the challenge Melody Beattie presents in these thoughts:
Speak your truth. Listen when others speak theirs, too.
When you let go of fear, you will learn to love others and you will let them love you.
Do not be afraid of dying. And do not be afraid to live!
Ask yourself what that line means.
Open your heart to love, for that is why you're here.
And know that you are, and always have been, One with Me and all who live.
Have a great day.
Ben Keckler 10.24.07
Eternal life is a phrase we often hear. What does that say to you? If we believe in eternal life, then what does that say about a person who has died? Are they dead or are they living?
I believe life is eternal.
I like the challenge Melody Beattie presents in these thoughts:
Speak your truth. Listen when others speak theirs, too.
When you let go of fear, you will learn to love others and you will let them love you.
Do not be afraid of dying. And do not be afraid to live!
Ask yourself what that line means.
Open your heart to love, for that is why you're here.
And know that you are, and always have been, One with Me and all who live.
Have a great day.
Ben Keckler 10.24.07
Daily Devotions - Monday 10.22.07
Thought For The Journey
When we think about the kingdom of God, it is good to remember what one Master Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, taught: "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, ... for, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you."
These thoughts from Saint Isaac of Nineveh speak volumes to me: "Be at peace with your own soul, then heaven and earth will be at peace with you. Enter eagerly into the treasure house that is within you, you will see the things that are in heaven; for there is but one single entry into both. The ladder that leads to the Kingdom is hidden within your soul... Dive into yourself, and in your soul you will discover the stairs by which to ascend."
A Prayer: Keep teaching me to examine my inner core when I am listening for your heavenly voice, God. Amen.
Ben Keckler 10.22.07
When we think about the kingdom of God, it is good to remember what one Master Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, taught: "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, ... for, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you."
These thoughts from Saint Isaac of Nineveh speak volumes to me: "Be at peace with your own soul, then heaven and earth will be at peace with you. Enter eagerly into the treasure house that is within you, you will see the things that are in heaven; for there is but one single entry into both. The ladder that leads to the Kingdom is hidden within your soul... Dive into yourself, and in your soul you will discover the stairs by which to ascend."
A Prayer: Keep teaching me to examine my inner core when I am listening for your heavenly voice, God. Amen.
Ben Keckler 10.22.07
Friday, October 19, 2007
Daily Devotions - Friday 10.19.07
About Prayer
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient's condition had been deteriorating for several days and all the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient's doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I've learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled "The Thinker") he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. The patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.19.07
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient's condition had been deteriorating for several days and all the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient's doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I've learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled "The Thinker") he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. The patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.19.07
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Daily Devotions - Thursday 10.18.07
Questions and Answers
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Letting Questions Live
Have you taken the time to examine the purpose behind most any question you ask of another person? Generally speaking, we ask because we are expecting an answer. If not an answer, then a reasonable explanation; if not a reasonable explanation, then hopefully a meaningful dialogue.
Because of the way we are trained in the educational arena, we hear a question and react with an answer. Often our answers are given based on personal experience. Often our personal experience is simply a repetition of a previous personal experience. Therefore we give answers to questions without truly understanding the present moment.
It seems to me that the best thing in life is the question, far more than the answer. The question needs to be honored as the "living thing." The wise person is generally not the one with the answer. The wise person is the person who is sensitive to the moment; is sensitive to the other person's needs; and is uninfluenced by any residue from the experience of the past.
One of the most valuable traits we can develop is the trait of simply being present with another person, allowing their questions to be honored more than answered. To let the question live is a very important way of letting the other person know they are loved.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness, allowing questions to live. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.18.07
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Letting Questions Live
Have you taken the time to examine the purpose behind most any question you ask of another person? Generally speaking, we ask because we are expecting an answer. If not an answer, then a reasonable explanation; if not a reasonable explanation, then hopefully a meaningful dialogue.
Because of the way we are trained in the educational arena, we hear a question and react with an answer. Often our answers are given based on personal experience. Often our personal experience is simply a repetition of a previous personal experience. Therefore we give answers to questions without truly understanding the present moment.
It seems to me that the best thing in life is the question, far more than the answer. The question needs to be honored as the "living thing." The wise person is generally not the one with the answer. The wise person is the person who is sensitive to the moment; is sensitive to the other person's needs; and is uninfluenced by any residue from the experience of the past.
One of the most valuable traits we can develop is the trait of simply being present with another person, allowing their questions to be honored more than answered. To let the question live is a very important way of letting the other person know they are loved.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness, allowing questions to live. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.18.07
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Daily Devotions - Wednesday 10.17.07
Mystery
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Absenteeism Present-ness
Over the last few weeks a number of difficult situations have confronted a number of my friends, fellow associates and - to be quite honest - me. Today I would like to share the following story with you.
"The great Karl Rahner wrote to a young German drug addict who had asked him for help. The addict had written, 'You theologians talk about God, but how could this God be relevant in my life? How could this God get me off drugs?' Rahner replied, 'I must confess to you in all honesty that for me God is and has always been absolute mystery. I do not understand what God is; no one can. We have imitations, inklings; we make faltering, inadequate attempts to put mystery into words. But there is NO word for it, no sentence for it.' He added these words later, 'The task of the theologian is to explain everything through God and to explain God as unexplainable.'"
God is unexplainable mystery. What I am learning is this:
Be aware. Watch; observe what is going on within you and around you. It is so easy to be imprisoned by old sayings. Being aware helps us break out of rigid patterns we have developed out of the thoughts and words we have imposed on God.
Recently I shared with one of my friends that God could best be described as "Absenteeism Present-ness." I like that term for mystery.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, purify me again today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.17.07
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time to continue development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Absenteeism Present-ness
Over the last few weeks a number of difficult situations have confronted a number of my friends, fellow associates and - to be quite honest - me. Today I would like to share the following story with you.
"The great Karl Rahner wrote to a young German drug addict who had asked him for help. The addict had written, 'You theologians talk about God, but how could this God be relevant in my life? How could this God get me off drugs?' Rahner replied, 'I must confess to you in all honesty that for me God is and has always been absolute mystery. I do not understand what God is; no one can. We have imitations, inklings; we make faltering, inadequate attempts to put mystery into words. But there is NO word for it, no sentence for it.' He added these words later, 'The task of the theologian is to explain everything through God and to explain God as unexplainable.'"
God is unexplainable mystery. What I am learning is this:
Be aware. Watch; observe what is going on within you and around you. It is so easy to be imprisoned by old sayings. Being aware helps us break out of rigid patterns we have developed out of the thoughts and words we have imposed on God.
Recently I shared with one of my friends that God could best be described as "Absenteeism Present-ness." I like that term for mystery.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, purify me again today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.17.07
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Daily Devotions - Tuesday 10.16.07
An Invitation to Stillness
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Taking time through a simple prayer
Recently I discovered this simple prayer, authored by David Whyte. Take some time with it today. Read it; then be still and after a time of meditation, read it again. Repeat this three times today. It is helping me with my awareness of the Holy.
Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
If not this breath, this sitting here.
This opening to the life
We have refused
Again and again
Until now.
Until now.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me stillness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.16.07
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Taking time through a simple prayer
Recently I discovered this simple prayer, authored by David Whyte. Take some time with it today. Read it; then be still and after a time of meditation, read it again. Repeat this three times today. It is helping me with my awareness of the Holy.
Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
If not this breath, this sitting here.
This opening to the life
We have refused
Again and again
Until now.
Until now.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me stillness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.16.07
Monday, October 15, 2007
Daily Devotions - Monday 10.15.07
Reflections on a Weekend
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Taking the time
Last week was spent with family and friends vacationing in Colorado. The trip took us into some areas of the country that are just a bit further along in their seasonal change. The beauty of fall colors painting the mountainsides amid towering evergreens provided an excellent setting for reflection. I took time to really enjoy the cleansing mountain air and flowing mountain streams. It seems like I grow in my spiritual awareness when I take opportunities to reflect on seasonal changes in the rhythms of nature.
This "away from the routine" time allowed me to do some "soul work." The question I am dealing with as I return to the workplace is this:
How can I better balance the demands of daily routine so that every minute feels like a dance with the Divine?
As I begin these reflections, I realize that this question is not just a personal one for me. The years of listening to the heartsongs of others assures me that the question is a worthy one for each of us. I invite you to join me in this process. I pray that you will have a good week.
A Prayer: Holy God, distract me from my busy-ness so that I can fully appreciate your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.15.07
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God."
A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Taking the time
Last week was spent with family and friends vacationing in Colorado. The trip took us into some areas of the country that are just a bit further along in their seasonal change. The beauty of fall colors painting the mountainsides amid towering evergreens provided an excellent setting for reflection. I took time to really enjoy the cleansing mountain air and flowing mountain streams. It seems like I grow in my spiritual awareness when I take opportunities to reflect on seasonal changes in the rhythms of nature.
This "away from the routine" time allowed me to do some "soul work." The question I am dealing with as I return to the workplace is this:
How can I better balance the demands of daily routine so that every minute feels like a dance with the Divine?
As I begin these reflections, I realize that this question is not just a personal one for me. The years of listening to the heartsongs of others assures me that the question is a worthy one for each of us. I invite you to join me in this process. I pray that you will have a good week.
A Prayer: Holy God, distract me from my busy-ness so that I can fully appreciate your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.15.07
Monday, October 8, 2007
Daily Devotions - Week of 10.08.07
THE CONSTANT CALL FOR COMPASSIONATE CARE
MONDAY:
"Listen to my cry, O Lord, for I am in desperate need."
-An ancient song of God's people (Psalm 142:6)
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that's because He wanted
us to spend twice as much time listening as
talking. Others claim it's because He knew
that listening was twice as hard.
-- Unknown
We hear the constant call for compassionate care Responding to this task can wear on us and we, like the songwriter, should cry out to the Holy One and firmly state our need for God to listen to our cry. God knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. In fact, I personally believe that God would much rather we cry than tell Him and one another that we are OK when we really are hurting!
This week let's commit ourselves to a really difficult task - - listening to the child that lives inside each of us. A child comes to us crying, "It hurts!" They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of a hurting soul and then provide the therapeutic touch. Again today we will listen and respond to the constant call for compassionate care. God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers who are dedicated to the care of the crying child in each of us.
-Ben Keckler 10.08.07
TUESDAY:
"David said to Saul, 'Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight Goliath.'"
-From the old, old story about David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32)
"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."
-Beverly Sills
Looking around our campus, you will find a hospital that is constantly growing, developing, changing, and becoming. Those with the initial dream of having a community hospital continue to be amazed at what this hospital has become in just over 40 years. I've visited with some of the people who helped in the initial fundraising. They are contented, knowing that the giant task was accomplished and that great and mighty things have and are happening here.
Our track record shows a health care provider that is willing to try. Our efforts have been rewarded along the way. Let us pause and express our gratitude to the Almighty and to those who have gone before us, laying a foundation for success.
May each new adventure in care giving demonstrate that compassionate care brings untold blessings.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
-Ben Keckler 10.09.07
WEDNESDAY:
"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
-An old proverb (6:20)
One of the great storytellers in baseball is an old home run hitter from the Washington Senators and the Minnesota Twins, Harmon Killebrew. Harmon says:
"My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up the grass.' Dad would reply, 'We're not raising grass, we're raising boys.'"
I've noticed that we are tearing up a lot of grass on the north side of the campus these days. While we are tearing up all that turf, we are also doing our best to treat people with the respect and dignity that they deserve when their health is compromised. Good health care work is challenging, much like the challenge of good parenting. May your day be filled acts of mercy.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
-Ben Keckler 10.10.07
THURSDAY:
"...And whoever welcomes a little child in my name, welcomes me."
-Words from Jesus, as remembered by Matthew (18:5)
Yes, the constant call for compassionate care can be heard best when we listen to the voices and strain to be attentive to the inner cries of a child. For today's devotion we turn to the lighter side of pediatric care as we have a little chuckle titled, "Truths children have learned." Enjoy!
No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a Tic-Tac.
I
n the next days, weeks, months and years all the caregivers who willingly spend time with our pediatric patients will be able to add to this list. Be listening, children will gladly tell us important truths that they are learning!
A prayer: God be with our caregivers who listen to the inner child within each patient.
-Ben Keckler 10.11.07
FRIDAY:
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
--Found throughout the sacred writings, both in Judaic and Christian traditions
This week we have focused on the above theme. To be compassionate caregivers we have to practice caring for ourselves. One helpful little book in my library is Be Good to Yourself Therapy. I like it for a number of reasons: 1) It is short; 2) It has neat illustrations; 3) Each of the 37 directives are on-target; and 4) It helps me with my self-care. Here is an example:
Take the time and space you need –
Even if other people are wanting something from you.
To truly be present and really love/care for others, it is important to take the time and space needed for our personal renewal. Others desire our compassionate care to be certain. The best way for healthy caregiving is to make certain we maintain our personal and spiritual health. Then we can truly love our neighbor fully!
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
--Ben Keckler 10.12.07
MONDAY:
"Listen to my cry, O Lord, for I am in desperate need."
-An ancient song of God's people (Psalm 142:6)
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that's because He wanted
us to spend twice as much time listening as
talking. Others claim it's because He knew
that listening was twice as hard.
-- Unknown
We hear the constant call for compassionate care Responding to this task can wear on us and we, like the songwriter, should cry out to the Holy One and firmly state our need for God to listen to our cry. God knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. In fact, I personally believe that God would much rather we cry than tell Him and one another that we are OK when we really are hurting!
This week let's commit ourselves to a really difficult task - - listening to the child that lives inside each of us. A child comes to us crying, "It hurts!" They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of a hurting soul and then provide the therapeutic touch. Again today we will listen and respond to the constant call for compassionate care. God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers who are dedicated to the care of the crying child in each of us.
-Ben Keckler 10.08.07
TUESDAY:
"David said to Saul, 'Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight Goliath.'"
-From the old, old story about David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32)
"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."
-Beverly Sills
Looking around our campus, you will find a hospital that is constantly growing, developing, changing, and becoming. Those with the initial dream of having a community hospital continue to be amazed at what this hospital has become in just over 40 years. I've visited with some of the people who helped in the initial fundraising. They are contented, knowing that the giant task was accomplished and that great and mighty things have and are happening here.
Our track record shows a health care provider that is willing to try. Our efforts have been rewarded along the way. Let us pause and express our gratitude to the Almighty and to those who have gone before us, laying a foundation for success.
May each new adventure in care giving demonstrate that compassionate care brings untold blessings.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
-Ben Keckler 10.09.07
WEDNESDAY:
"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
-An old proverb (6:20)
One of the great storytellers in baseball is an old home run hitter from the Washington Senators and the Minnesota Twins, Harmon Killebrew. Harmon says:
"My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up the grass.' Dad would reply, 'We're not raising grass, we're raising boys.'"
I've noticed that we are tearing up a lot of grass on the north side of the campus these days. While we are tearing up all that turf, we are also doing our best to treat people with the respect and dignity that they deserve when their health is compromised. Good health care work is challenging, much like the challenge of good parenting. May your day be filled acts of mercy.
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
-Ben Keckler 10.10.07
THURSDAY:
"...And whoever welcomes a little child in my name, welcomes me."
-Words from Jesus, as remembered by Matthew (18:5)
Yes, the constant call for compassionate care can be heard best when we listen to the voices and strain to be attentive to the inner cries of a child. For today's devotion we turn to the lighter side of pediatric care as we have a little chuckle titled, "Truths children have learned." Enjoy!
No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a Tic-Tac.
I
n the next days, weeks, months and years all the caregivers who willingly spend time with our pediatric patients will be able to add to this list. Be listening, children will gladly tell us important truths that they are learning!
A prayer: God be with our caregivers who listen to the inner child within each patient.
-Ben Keckler 10.11.07
FRIDAY:
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
--Found throughout the sacred writings, both in Judaic and Christian traditions
This week we have focused on the above theme. To be compassionate caregivers we have to practice caring for ourselves. One helpful little book in my library is Be Good to Yourself Therapy. I like it for a number of reasons: 1) It is short; 2) It has neat illustrations; 3) Each of the 37 directives are on-target; and 4) It helps me with my self-care. Here is an example:
Take the time and space you need –
Even if other people are wanting something from you.
To truly be present and really love/care for others, it is important to take the time and space needed for our personal renewal. Others desire our compassionate care to be certain. The best way for healthy caregiving is to make certain we maintain our personal and spiritual health. Then we can truly love our neighbor fully!
A prayer: God be with our caregivers.
--Ben Keckler 10.12.07
Monday, October 1, 2007
Daily Devotions - Thursday 11.01.07
Reflections on the 23rd Psalm
The closing verse of the Psalm says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Two quotes inspired by the 23rd Psalm that feel right for today:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev
Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me The secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don't even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich
God did not say,
"Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased."
But God did say,
"Thou shall not be overcome."
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the approaching weekend.
Ben Keckler 11.01.07
The closing verse of the Psalm says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Two quotes inspired by the 23rd Psalm that feel right for today:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev
Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me The secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don't even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich
God did not say,
"Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased."
But God did say,
"Thou shall not be overcome."
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the approaching weekend.
Ben Keckler 11.01.07
Daily Devotions - Week of 10.01.07
MONDAY:
"He asked, 'Who is my neighbor?"
-A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
"To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Asian traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are going to travel with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
Leo tells stories of two people, Mack and Pricha, from his experiences in Thailand to illustrate today's point. Shortly after arriving at his "culturally acceptable, but quite unacceptable accommodations," he met a man named Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways and didn't really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. He learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha who was a native Thai. During his week with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. He learned hospitality increases one's awareness of things that are truly valuable.
Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) may only help us and our patients survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the people who grace your life as you work.
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, guide me to the people I need to encounter. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.01.07
TUESDAY:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes with you and will never leave or forsake you.'
-Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp or we will find our hands full and our minds empty. Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart; for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
Today's scripture verse finds Moses giving a "goodbye speech." He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the "hello-goodbye-hello" saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia, he met Lat, a tour guide, who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness by inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn't show the next day at the appointed time, but as he writes, "I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, 'Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.'"
Today as caregivers we will again discover the "hello-goodbye-hello" saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God's creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.02.07
WEDNESDAY:
"If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
-Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24:15)
"Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn 't the world a better place?'
It will only be time wasted,
A better question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that question there is an answer."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may encounter the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did and find the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that make a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.03.07
THURSDAY:
"...They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. "
-An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2:46, 47)
"We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley. All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice. "
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago, I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. I agree with Leo that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: "The purpose in life is not to see through each other, but to see each other through." Enjoy sharing life with others today.
Ben Keckler 10.04.07
FRIDAY:
"Don't worry about tomorrow,
tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6:34)
"I was never told that man 'possesses' nothing. I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality as it relates to living in the now. Life isn 't the goal; it's the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold. "
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are very different. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to the Orient. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes this weekend.
As we live our life together it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment but it isn't guaranteed. So, let's take good care of each moment we have and let's take good care of ourselves and each other!
--Ben Keckler 10.05.07
"He asked, 'Who is my neighbor?"
-A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
"To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Asian traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are going to travel with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
Leo tells stories of two people, Mack and Pricha, from his experiences in Thailand to illustrate today's point. Shortly after arriving at his "culturally acceptable, but quite unacceptable accommodations," he met a man named Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways and didn't really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. He learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha who was a native Thai. During his week with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. He learned hospitality increases one's awareness of things that are truly valuable.
Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) may only help us and our patients survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the people who grace your life as you work.
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, guide me to the people I need to encounter. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 10.01.07
TUESDAY:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes with you and will never leave or forsake you.'
-Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp or we will find our hands full and our minds empty. Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart; for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
Today's scripture verse finds Moses giving a "goodbye speech." He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the "hello-goodbye-hello" saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia, he met Lat, a tour guide, who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness by inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn't show the next day at the appointed time, but as he writes, "I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, 'Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.'"
Today as caregivers we will again discover the "hello-goodbye-hello" saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God's creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.02.07
WEDNESDAY:
"If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
-Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24:15)
"Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn 't the world a better place?'
It will only be time wasted,
A better question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that question there is an answer."
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may encounter the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did and find the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that make a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 10.03.07
THURSDAY:
"...They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. "
-An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2:46, 47)
"We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley. All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice. "
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago, I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. I agree with Leo that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: "The purpose in life is not to see through each other, but to see each other through." Enjoy sharing life with others today.
Ben Keckler 10.04.07
FRIDAY:
"Don't worry about tomorrow,
tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6:34)
"I was never told that man 'possesses' nothing. I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality as it relates to living in the now. Life isn 't the goal; it's the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold. "
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are very different. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to the Orient. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes this weekend.
As we live our life together it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment but it isn't guaranteed. So, let's take good care of each moment we have and let's take good care of ourselves and each other!
--Ben Keckler 10.05.07
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