Lion or Lamb?
You’ve heard the line, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” I can't wait to find out what the next month holds!
The wild animal/peaceful animal analogy is found in religious writings. Particularly in the Jewish and Christian traditions we can find reference to the realm of God as a setting where wolves and lions dwell in solidarity with cattle and lambs. The picture, of course, is a picture of a wonderful dwelling place where “everybody gets along.”
We have some real “hot spots” in this global village. This lion/lamb thing isn’t just about weather! March 2008 will arrive tomorrow. Very war-like, very much like a lion-- political argumentation is heating up and the war goes on as it has for the last 75 or so months! Will March go out peacefully, very much like a lamb? Time will tell.
Reinhold Niebuhr composed the following prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” It seems to me that living this prayer during the new month may help me as I experience a month that may “come in like a lion and go out like a lamb.”
Ben Keckler
02.29.08
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 28
Some Final Thoughts on Love
Work is generally challenging and rewarding. Discovering the delicate balance needed to make it through the day nudges us to explore and understand love.
I work in a place where bringing health, healing and life are our primary goals. I work in a place where experiencing death, grief and loss are not supposed to happen, but they do! The reality is I journey with people in every rhythm of the life experience. One wisdom writer said, “there is a time for every season.” There is one significant opportunity I have working in a caregiving institution—the challenge to demonstrate love, care and compassion. Whether in life or in death, I can be a person whose loving spirit lets clients feel loved.
We’ve focused on love during this month of meditations. Know that you are loved!! “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4: 7)
Ben Keckler
02.28.08
Work is generally challenging and rewarding. Discovering the delicate balance needed to make it through the day nudges us to explore and understand love.
I work in a place where bringing health, healing and life are our primary goals. I work in a place where experiencing death, grief and loss are not supposed to happen, but they do! The reality is I journey with people in every rhythm of the life experience. One wisdom writer said, “there is a time for every season.” There is one significant opportunity I have working in a caregiving institution—the challenge to demonstrate love, care and compassion. Whether in life or in death, I can be a person whose loving spirit lets clients feel loved.
We’ve focused on love during this month of meditations. Know that you are loved!! “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4: 7)
Ben Keckler
02.28.08
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, February 27
Insights From Henri
It is good to know there are hundreds—thousands—millions—who have lived the way of love. In Henri Nouwen’s book Compassion, A Reflection on the Christian Life he talks about learning the art of displacement as we journey to live as loving, compassionate people. He sights a variety of people who have followed “our Lord to places they would rather not go.” He issues a call for people of faith to learn this art. Henri says, “Voluntary displacement leads to compassion; by bringing us closer to our own brokenness it opens our eyes to our fellow human beings who seek our consolation and comfort.”
Sometimes we discover we are in difficult, uncharted territories. As we take courage and allow ourselves the freedom to travel is this “strange place”, insight and love will take charge. It’s actually quite empowering! We discover that faith does work!
If you find yourself “displaced” today, take courage and listen. You will receive.
Ben Keckler
02.27.08
It is good to know there are hundreds—thousands—millions—who have lived the way of love. In Henri Nouwen’s book Compassion, A Reflection on the Christian Life he talks about learning the art of displacement as we journey to live as loving, compassionate people. He sights a variety of people who have followed “our Lord to places they would rather not go.” He issues a call for people of faith to learn this art. Henri says, “Voluntary displacement leads to compassion; by bringing us closer to our own brokenness it opens our eyes to our fellow human beings who seek our consolation and comfort.”
Sometimes we discover we are in difficult, uncharted territories. As we take courage and allow ourselves the freedom to travel is this “strange place”, insight and love will take charge. It’s actually quite empowering! We discover that faith does work!
If you find yourself “displaced” today, take courage and listen. You will receive.
Ben Keckler
02.27.08
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, February 26
Insights From Morrie
Tuesdays with Morrie is an engaging book which details Mitch Albom’s stories of his weekly (Tuesday) visits with a college professor who was dying. Morrie’s disease was ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes we call it Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The sixth Tuesday that Mitch and Morrie spent together they dealt with the subject of emotions. Since we are talking about the emotion of love this month, here are some of Morrie’s insights about a way of dealing with all of our emotions. Think about these quotes today:
• “Take any emotion,” he says, and “allow yourself to go all the way through it.”
• “By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience your emotions fully and completely.”
• “Only then can you say, ‘All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. I can name my emotions and experience them as well.’”
We are thinking about love this month. Enjoy this emotion. Dive in and enjoy the experience of living love today.
Ben Keckler
02.26.08
Tuesdays with Morrie is an engaging book which details Mitch Albom’s stories of his weekly (Tuesday) visits with a college professor who was dying. Morrie’s disease was ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes we call it Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The sixth Tuesday that Mitch and Morrie spent together they dealt with the subject of emotions. Since we are talking about the emotion of love this month, here are some of Morrie’s insights about a way of dealing with all of our emotions. Think about these quotes today:
• “Take any emotion,” he says, and “allow yourself to go all the way through it.”
• “By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience your emotions fully and completely.”
• “Only then can you say, ‘All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. I can name my emotions and experience them as well.’”
We are thinking about love this month. Enjoy this emotion. Dive in and enjoy the experience of living love today.
Ben Keckler
02.26.08
Monday, February 25, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, February 25
Prayer for a New Week of Work
In A Book of Uncommon Prayer, written by Presbyterian professor and pastor Kenneth G. Phifer, there is a prayer entitled “I Need To Be More Loving.”
Almighty God,
I know so little of what love in its fullness can be. My love is marred by jealousy, scarred by envy and limited by selfishness. I withhold love at the slightest provocation, and withdraw myself from involvement with others for fear of being hurt.
Still, I know something of what love can be like. I can remember being forgiven generously and freely by someone I had wronged. I can remember being made strong by the realization that someone cared. And, if your teachings are right, to know what love is like is to know what you are like.
Out of your heart came the evidences of love for all kinds of people and a refusal to give up on any of us. Thank you for that love and for that refusal. I hope that I can catch more of your Spirit in my life.
Help me to be more outgoing, less sensitive to slights, and more alert to the feelings of others. Slow my judging nature. Diminish my righteous spirit. Open me to life and to the beauty in others. Increase my confidence so that I am less defensive and reactionary. Maximize my ability to love for, as you know O God, I need to be more loving. Amen.” (condensed and edited by B. Keckler)
Ben Keckler
02.25.08
In A Book of Uncommon Prayer, written by Presbyterian professor and pastor Kenneth G. Phifer, there is a prayer entitled “I Need To Be More Loving.”
Almighty God,
I know so little of what love in its fullness can be. My love is marred by jealousy, scarred by envy and limited by selfishness. I withhold love at the slightest provocation, and withdraw myself from involvement with others for fear of being hurt.
Still, I know something of what love can be like. I can remember being forgiven generously and freely by someone I had wronged. I can remember being made strong by the realization that someone cared. And, if your teachings are right, to know what love is like is to know what you are like.
Out of your heart came the evidences of love for all kinds of people and a refusal to give up on any of us. Thank you for that love and for that refusal. I hope that I can catch more of your Spirit in my life.
Help me to be more outgoing, less sensitive to slights, and more alert to the feelings of others. Slow my judging nature. Diminish my righteous spirit. Open me to life and to the beauty in others. Increase my confidence so that I am less defensive and reactionary. Maximize my ability to love for, as you know O God, I need to be more loving. Amen.” (condensed and edited by B. Keckler)
Ben Keckler
02.25.08
Friday, February 22, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, February 22
Need A Little Help?
“Now I know that the Lord will help the anointed.”
--Psalm 20: 6
God… an always present help as we journey through the maze of life. Thomas Carlisle realized that this help was available and offered this prayer one day.
Help us to harness the wind, the water, and the sun
and all the ready and renewable sources of power.
Teach us to conserve, preserve, and use wisely
the blessed treasures of our wealth-stored earth.
Help us to share your bounty not to waste it
or pervert it into peril for our children or our neighbors in other nations.
You who are life
And energy
And blessing,
Help us to revere and respect your tender world. Amen.
Have a good day and weekend! May you find the help you need.
A prayer for today: God of life, help me. Amen
Ben Keckler
02.22.08
“Now I know that the Lord will help the anointed.”
--Psalm 20: 6
God… an always present help as we journey through the maze of life. Thomas Carlisle realized that this help was available and offered this prayer one day.
Help us to harness the wind, the water, and the sun
and all the ready and renewable sources of power.
Teach us to conserve, preserve, and use wisely
the blessed treasures of our wealth-stored earth.
Help us to share your bounty not to waste it
or pervert it into peril for our children or our neighbors in other nations.
You who are life
And energy
And blessing,
Help us to revere and respect your tender world. Amen.
Have a good day and weekend! May you find the help you need.
A prayer for today: God of life, help me. Amen
Ben Keckler
02.22.08
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 21
Got Some Troubles?
“Why should I fear in times of trouble…
God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
--Psalm 49 selected phrases
Trouble. The word looms large in today’s world--from individual troubles to global troubles. Trouble. It may even be a big word for your inner being today. Can you receive the question and faith-filled response from the Psalm writer?
In this increasingly apocalyptic world, it is reassuring to know that fear does not need to dominate our lives. There are witnesses who have pointed people toward a way of living faithfully “in times of trouble.” The Desert Fathers fled to an unpopulated area. A Roman aristocrat, Arsenius, heard these words from the sage counselor he consulted, “Flee from the world, be silent and pray always.”
The temptation these days is to go mad with those who are mad, to yell with those who yell, to dictate to one another where to go, what to do, and how to behave. “If you can’t beat the world, join it” seems to be a valid approach when everything is crashing.
Try solitude, friends. Take some time to be alone and just meditate, listen to silence. In fact, don’t take time with the chaplain’s devotions or with Sacred Scripture (obviously I do believe both are important)! Take time to listen to the silence and you too will discover the words of the Psalm are true and trustworthy, “Why should I fear…God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
Have a good, good day!
Ben Keckler
02.21.08
“Why should I fear in times of trouble…
God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
--Psalm 49 selected phrases
Trouble. The word looms large in today’s world--from individual troubles to global troubles. Trouble. It may even be a big word for your inner being today. Can you receive the question and faith-filled response from the Psalm writer?
In this increasingly apocalyptic world, it is reassuring to know that fear does not need to dominate our lives. There are witnesses who have pointed people toward a way of living faithfully “in times of trouble.” The Desert Fathers fled to an unpopulated area. A Roman aristocrat, Arsenius, heard these words from the sage counselor he consulted, “Flee from the world, be silent and pray always.”
The temptation these days is to go mad with those who are mad, to yell with those who yell, to dictate to one another where to go, what to do, and how to behave. “If you can’t beat the world, join it” seems to be a valid approach when everything is crashing.
Try solitude, friends. Take some time to be alone and just meditate, listen to silence. In fact, don’t take time with the chaplain’s devotions or with Sacred Scripture (obviously I do believe both are important)! Take time to listen to the silence and you too will discover the words of the Psalm are true and trustworthy, “Why should I fear…God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
Have a good, good day!
Ben Keckler
02.21.08
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, February 20
Achieving Focus
Some years ago, a tribute to a young man named Chad Visser was published entitled Chad. He died from a stroke at the age of 22; the author is his father. It is a series of little remembrances that demonstrate how a family learned the significance of worship in their lives. Here are a couple of important snippets for your meditation today:
Dad reflects on “Focus”:
“I have spent the past 30 years of my life with clutter: business, non-profit commitments, time, more time, more time and more commitments. Chad’s death has cleared up all the clutter and brought the important things in life into focus for me.”
Grief, loss and transition can have a significant impact on every aspect of our lives. Near the end of the book are a couple of pages listing “Lessons Chad Taught Us.” Four of the sixteen lessons are:
1. Take the pebbles out of your backpack—a few at a time.
2. Difficult situations teach us empathy and true compassion.
3. Say what you feel while you can.
4. God is with us, we are never alone.
Chad is a helpful little book.
Ben Keckler
02.20.08
Some years ago, a tribute to a young man named Chad Visser was published entitled Chad. He died from a stroke at the age of 22; the author is his father. It is a series of little remembrances that demonstrate how a family learned the significance of worship in their lives. Here are a couple of important snippets for your meditation today:
Dad reflects on “Focus”:
“I have spent the past 30 years of my life with clutter: business, non-profit commitments, time, more time, more time and more commitments. Chad’s death has cleared up all the clutter and brought the important things in life into focus for me.”
Grief, loss and transition can have a significant impact on every aspect of our lives. Near the end of the book are a couple of pages listing “Lessons Chad Taught Us.” Four of the sixteen lessons are:
1. Take the pebbles out of your backpack—a few at a time.
2. Difficult situations teach us empathy and true compassion.
3. Say what you feel while you can.
4. God is with us, we are never alone.
Chad is a helpful little book.
Ben Keckler
02.20.08
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, February 19
Mystery and Hope
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint.
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”
--Psalm 61: 1, 2
Today’s devotions are in the form of a prayer focusing on themes of mystery and hope.
Be with us through all the unknown days lying before us:
Days when the black of night settles early in the west,
Days when the strong white of winter comes from the north,
Days when we look for the red of sunrise in the east,
Days when the yellow noonday sun lingers longer in the south.
Touch us that we may trust you and be strong,
That we may grow in union with all our sister and brothers,
That we may see more deeply into ourselves.
Grant us a vision of your mystery and a vision of ourselves.
Teach us authenticity and may we answer you with honesty, generosity and bravery.
Grant us understanding that life does not end; life does change.
Fill us with a deep, deep hope in your unending faithfulness to this world you love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.19.08
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint.
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”
--Psalm 61: 1, 2
Today’s devotions are in the form of a prayer focusing on themes of mystery and hope.
Be with us through all the unknown days lying before us:
Days when the black of night settles early in the west,
Days when the strong white of winter comes from the north,
Days when we look for the red of sunrise in the east,
Days when the yellow noonday sun lingers longer in the south.
Touch us that we may trust you and be strong,
That we may grow in union with all our sister and brothers,
That we may see more deeply into ourselves.
Grant us a vision of your mystery and a vision of ourselves.
Teach us authenticity and may we answer you with honesty, generosity and bravery.
Grant us understanding that life does not end; life does change.
Fill us with a deep, deep hope in your unending faithfulness to this world you love. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.19.08
Monday, February 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, February 18
Stormy Times?
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint.
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”
--Psalm 61: 1, 2
Winter storms arrive and when they are over, we dig ourselves out and proceed with the rhythms of life. Daily we encounter those who are making their way through the storms of life. Some of them and, most likely some of us, could be at the point where we are pleading to the Creator—“listen to my prayer.”
There are moments when it feels like everything is shattered, like we’ve hit a dead end in the maze of life. One writer, Henri Nouwen, calls such moments “brokenness.” Receive his advice: “The first response to our brokenness is to face it squarely and befriend it. Usually, our first response to pain and suffering is to avoid it, to keep it at arm’s length, to ignore it or deny it.” Henri tells us to move close to our pain and welcome it rather than run from it.
The Psalm writer endorses this notion in the verses above. The way to the “rock that is higher” comes when we move close to our pain and invite the Holy to be with us on the journey into the gateway to joy. Tough times must be faced and they have their best resolution when we say, “hear my cry, O God.”
A prayer for today:
God who knows my pain and brokenness,
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.18.08
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint.
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I.”
--Psalm 61: 1, 2
Winter storms arrive and when they are over, we dig ourselves out and proceed with the rhythms of life. Daily we encounter those who are making their way through the storms of life. Some of them and, most likely some of us, could be at the point where we are pleading to the Creator—“listen to my prayer.”
There are moments when it feels like everything is shattered, like we’ve hit a dead end in the maze of life. One writer, Henri Nouwen, calls such moments “brokenness.” Receive his advice: “The first response to our brokenness is to face it squarely and befriend it. Usually, our first response to pain and suffering is to avoid it, to keep it at arm’s length, to ignore it or deny it.” Henri tells us to move close to our pain and welcome it rather than run from it.
The Psalm writer endorses this notion in the verses above. The way to the “rock that is higher” comes when we move close to our pain and invite the Holy to be with us on the journey into the gateway to joy. Tough times must be faced and they have their best resolution when we say, “hear my cry, O God.”
A prayer for today:
God who knows my pain and brokenness,
Lead me to a rock that is higher than I. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.18.08
Friday, February 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, February 15
Are You Listening?
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my God, to you I pray.”
--Psalm 5: 1, 2
Sometimes there are moments when it feels like there is too much to be done and too many people needing attention and care. Sometimes I feel pushed beyond capacity. It feels like the Holy One isn’t hearing my prayers. Maybe this prayer expresses how it can be for you and for me in the middle of winter.
A prayer for today:
Almighty and Eternal God,
I come in prayer to express my needs, my moods and my desires.
I am fearful of exposing too much of myself to others because
They may laugh or
They may reject me.
Keep me from despair or cynicism or bitterness.
Remind me that
There are rich experiences available daily,
There is love to be given and received,
There is faith that transforms the ordinary in extra-ordinary ways.
I give myself to your guiding Spirit.
If today seems uncertain to me, remind me that You are not!
Ben Keckler
02.15.08
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my God, to you I pray.”
--Psalm 5: 1, 2
Sometimes there are moments when it feels like there is too much to be done and too many people needing attention and care. Sometimes I feel pushed beyond capacity. It feels like the Holy One isn’t hearing my prayers. Maybe this prayer expresses how it can be for you and for me in the middle of winter.
A prayer for today:
Almighty and Eternal God,
I come in prayer to express my needs, my moods and my desires.
I am fearful of exposing too much of myself to others because
They may laugh or
They may reject me.
Keep me from despair or cynicism or bitterness.
Remind me that
There are rich experiences available daily,
There is love to be given and received,
There is faith that transforms the ordinary in extra-ordinary ways.
I give myself to your guiding Spirit.
If today seems uncertain to me, remind me that You are not!
Ben Keckler
02.15.08
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 14
Reflecting on Valentine's Day
“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother/sister is born for adversity.”
--Proverbs 17: 17
Happy Valentine’s Day! Stopping to think about all the ways that people are saying “I love you” today would be mind boggling. This holiday is one that, in many ways, is designed to have us share with one another tangible statements of our affections for the significant people in our lives. Enjoy!
Today is also a good day to express your “I love you” to those who have shaped your life. Spending some time in meditation, remembering family members who have died and family members who are miles and miles away can help to strengthen the significance of this day. Spending some time with people you know are lonely and grieving is another way to deepen the significance of the holiday.
Take some quiet time today. Think about friends who are experiencing adverse times and assure them that they are loved. Think about those who have helped to make you the person you are today and allow that old relationship to take on new meaning. Spread the love, from your heart to the hearts of others. As we take that kind of time, we will truly have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Have an enjoyable and meaningful day.
Ben Keckler
02.14.08
“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother/sister is born for adversity.”
--Proverbs 17: 17
Happy Valentine’s Day! Stopping to think about all the ways that people are saying “I love you” today would be mind boggling. This holiday is one that, in many ways, is designed to have us share with one another tangible statements of our affections for the significant people in our lives. Enjoy!
Today is also a good day to express your “I love you” to those who have shaped your life. Spending some time in meditation, remembering family members who have died and family members who are miles and miles away can help to strengthen the significance of this day. Spending some time with people you know are lonely and grieving is another way to deepen the significance of the holiday.
Take some quiet time today. Think about friends who are experiencing adverse times and assure them that they are loved. Think about those who have helped to make you the person you are today and allow that old relationship to take on new meaning. Spread the love, from your heart to the hearts of others. As we take that kind of time, we will truly have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Have an enjoyable and meaningful day.
Ben Keckler
02.14.08
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, February 13
Spaced Repetition Can Be Helpful
“The Lord is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever,
And faithfulness to all generations.”
--Psalm 100: 5
One of the frequent phrases in Hebrew hymnology is “the steadfast love of the Lord.” These ancient songwriters realized that the Holy One remains steadfast even when we choose to live rather self-centered lives. There is a wonderful book entitled, The Prophet, and in that text the writer observes:
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.”
As we approach Valentine’s Day, think about the really important gift that our children, our loved ones and our friends really want. My now grown and on their own children may want to know my thoughts and if they do they will ask. In the meantime, my tasks are 1. Assuring them that their father’s deep and endless love faithfully surrounds them; and 2. Pointing them toward the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever. Authentically performing these two tasks is my Valentine’s Day challenge!
A prayer for today:
Loving God, may your love flow through me today and always. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.13.08
“The Lord is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever,
And faithfulness to all generations.”
--Psalm 100: 5
One of the frequent phrases in Hebrew hymnology is “the steadfast love of the Lord.” These ancient songwriters realized that the Holy One remains steadfast even when we choose to live rather self-centered lives. There is a wonderful book entitled, The Prophet, and in that text the writer observes:
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.”
As we approach Valentine’s Day, think about the really important gift that our children, our loved ones and our friends really want. My now grown and on their own children may want to know my thoughts and if they do they will ask. In the meantime, my tasks are 1. Assuring them that their father’s deep and endless love faithfully surrounds them; and 2. Pointing them toward the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever. Authentically performing these two tasks is my Valentine’s Day challenge!
A prayer for today:
Loving God, may your love flow through me today and always. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.13.08
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, February 12
What Do You Mean, God?
“Be still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46:10
What does it mean to “be still”? We know what it means when we give that directive to children! But, what might it mean for you or for me? Today let's take time with the following prayer. Maybe this will offer some new insights; maybe it will pose new questions. With all our business busy-ness, maybe taking a moment with this prayer could be helpful----
A prayer for today:
As you already know, all-knowing Creator, stillness seems the hardest for me.
My life is filled with clanging and clattering.
There are even times I deliberately create noise to fill the silence.
Sometimes it’s the radio and sometimes I just talk to myself.
In some silent moment today
Give me courage to look inward and meet you in the deep places of my heart.
Come to me and bring the healing, restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation I long for.
And, as you already know, I probably won’t stay still long enough.
My agenda seems so full.
Could you teach me how to “be still” in the midst of motion? Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.12.08
“Be still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46:10
What does it mean to “be still”? We know what it means when we give that directive to children! But, what might it mean for you or for me? Today let's take time with the following prayer. Maybe this will offer some new insights; maybe it will pose new questions. With all our business busy-ness, maybe taking a moment with this prayer could be helpful----
A prayer for today:
As you already know, all-knowing Creator, stillness seems the hardest for me.
My life is filled with clanging and clattering.
There are even times I deliberately create noise to fill the silence.
Sometimes it’s the radio and sometimes I just talk to myself.
In some silent moment today
Give me courage to look inward and meet you in the deep places of my heart.
Come to me and bring the healing, restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation I long for.
And, as you already know, I probably won’t stay still long enough.
My agenda seems so full.
Could you teach me how to “be still” in the midst of motion? Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.12.08
Monday, February 11, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, February 11
Need Your Battery Charged?
“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
--Psalm 63: 1
After a restful weekend we go to work energized and ready. We arrive at work and discover that the demands are more than we can imagine. All of a sudden the positive emotions are replaced by the reality of being “in a dry and weary land” and we can feel just like the Psalm writer—“there is no water.” If that is a description of your “Monday” at work, the following prayer may be helpful.
A prayer for today:
Ah God, I would thank you for your constant renewal.
Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m blue, I fluctuate and vacillate.
Sometimes my heart sings, sometimes it sobs.
But your Spirit comes—
Sometimes when I pray for the coming and
Sometimes when I least expect it.
Keep coming, O Lord,
For I often get too busy, too harried and too preoccupied with the details of the day
And fail to ride on the wind of your Spirit.
I need to stop and look at my surroundings more often than I do.
Perhaps I will be more aware from now on but maybe not.
So keep coming, Lord.
I desperately need you, especially today.
Ben Keckler
02.11.08
“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
--Psalm 63: 1
After a restful weekend we go to work energized and ready. We arrive at work and discover that the demands are more than we can imagine. All of a sudden the positive emotions are replaced by the reality of being “in a dry and weary land” and we can feel just like the Psalm writer—“there is no water.” If that is a description of your “Monday” at work, the following prayer may be helpful.
A prayer for today:
Ah God, I would thank you for your constant renewal.
Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m blue, I fluctuate and vacillate.
Sometimes my heart sings, sometimes it sobs.
But your Spirit comes—
Sometimes when I pray for the coming and
Sometimes when I least expect it.
Keep coming, O Lord,
For I often get too busy, too harried and too preoccupied with the details of the day
And fail to ride on the wind of your Spirit.
I need to stop and look at my surroundings more often than I do.
Perhaps I will be more aware from now on but maybe not.
So keep coming, Lord.
I desperately need you, especially today.
Ben Keckler
02.11.08
Friday, February 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, February 8
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
One of my mentors is Dr. Henri Nouwen, a renowned priest, caregiver and writer. Several years before his death, he was in an accident that took him to the very door of death. He wrote a book reflecting on his experience, Beyond the Mirror. It is a short book and worthy of your reading. In the chapter that deals with his recovery he writes:
“When I awoke from my operation and realized that I was not yet
in God’s house but still alive in the world, I had an immediate
perception of being sent: sent to make the all-embracing love
of the Father known to people who hunger and thirst for love,
but often look for it within a world where it cannot be found.”
Henri fully recovered and went on to conduct many seminars around the world, two of which I was privileged to attend. This “all-embracing love” as he calls it, is something he shared daily. Life presents us with fragmentation, separation and pain. Through loving, caring actions we can help that “all-embracing love” to be experienced.
Have a blessed day of caregiving.
Ben Keckler
02.08.08
One of my mentors is Dr. Henri Nouwen, a renowned priest, caregiver and writer. Several years before his death, he was in an accident that took him to the very door of death. He wrote a book reflecting on his experience, Beyond the Mirror. It is a short book and worthy of your reading. In the chapter that deals with his recovery he writes:
“When I awoke from my operation and realized that I was not yet
in God’s house but still alive in the world, I had an immediate
perception of being sent: sent to make the all-embracing love
of the Father known to people who hunger and thirst for love,
but often look for it within a world where it cannot be found.”
Henri fully recovered and went on to conduct many seminars around the world, two of which I was privileged to attend. This “all-embracing love” as he calls it, is something he shared daily. Life presents us with fragmentation, separation and pain. Through loving, caring actions we can help that “all-embracing love” to be experienced.
Have a blessed day of caregiving.
Ben Keckler
02.08.08
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 7
Give Them Your Heart
Being attentive to children and their grief is my passion. Judy Tatelbaum’s book, The Courage to Grieve has a chapter on children’s grief and she begins with this quote:
“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and
daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you,
but not from you. And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.”
--The Prophet
I am certain many conversations could come from this quote. What grabs my attention is the phrase, “you may give them (children) your love but not your thoughts.” I believe this phrase is worthy of our contemplation. Valentine’s Day is drawing near! What do our children (regardless of their age) really want from us? Unconditional love is the answer, I believe. As I reflect upon my own children (now grown and on their own), I see that my love was what they did (and still do) desire. I may want to share my thoughts with them, but I need to hold them until they ask for them. In the meantime, “I am going to give them my love.” Enjoy loving and being loved!
Ben Keckler
02.07.08
Being attentive to children and their grief is my passion. Judy Tatelbaum’s book, The Courage to Grieve has a chapter on children’s grief and she begins with this quote:
“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and
daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you,
but not from you. And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.”
--The Prophet
I am certain many conversations could come from this quote. What grabs my attention is the phrase, “you may give them (children) your love but not your thoughts.” I believe this phrase is worthy of our contemplation. Valentine’s Day is drawing near! What do our children (regardless of their age) really want from us? Unconditional love is the answer, I believe. As I reflect upon my own children (now grown and on their own), I see that my love was what they did (and still do) desire. I may want to share my thoughts with them, but I need to hold them until they ask for them. In the meantime, “I am going to give them my love.” Enjoy loving and being loved!
Ben Keckler
02.07.08
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Daily Devotions - February 6
Facing Brokenness
“The love of God is characterized by God’s persistence throughout human history in trying to rescue us from our brokenness.”
--Robert Bondi, The Other Side, November/December 2001
Daily we encounter brokenness in our own lives, in the lives of family and friends, in the lives of patients and, for that matter, in an endless list of ways. The practice of caregiving is a profound demonstration of how God reaches out to rescue brokenness. As I write these words today, I recall a prayer that says, “God has no hands but our hands...” to heal, to touch, to do the things that are necessary to bring a semblance of wholeness where life is fractured.
As I look back through the pages of history, I find people who have continually extended themselves toward those who are dealing with the struggles of life. This on-going work of caring for others by people like you and me is our attempt to share the love of God to a broken spirit. We are not alone; millions have taken seriously the call to love, to care, to heal a broken world. We join an extensive list of people and we have an opportunity to make a difference today. May your day be blessed as you do your work.
Ben Keckler
02.06.08
“The love of God is characterized by God’s persistence throughout human history in trying to rescue us from our brokenness.”
--Robert Bondi, The Other Side, November/December 2001
Daily we encounter brokenness in our own lives, in the lives of family and friends, in the lives of patients and, for that matter, in an endless list of ways. The practice of caregiving is a profound demonstration of how God reaches out to rescue brokenness. As I write these words today, I recall a prayer that says, “God has no hands but our hands...” to heal, to touch, to do the things that are necessary to bring a semblance of wholeness where life is fractured.
As I look back through the pages of history, I find people who have continually extended themselves toward those who are dealing with the struggles of life. This on-going work of caring for others by people like you and me is our attempt to share the love of God to a broken spirit. We are not alone; millions have taken seriously the call to love, to care, to heal a broken world. We join an extensive list of people and we have an opportunity to make a difference today. May your day be blessed as you do your work.
Ben Keckler
02.06.08
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, February 5
What's Love Got To Do With It?
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
--Jesus
Love one another—a new commandment? Love was around for a long, long time before John took time to write these words he remembered from the lips of Jesus. We are aware that love has many definitions. Are there ways that you experience the words, “Just as I have loved you?” If there are, then you have an indication about ways that you can respond to others. Here is an example.
I have experienced “just as I have loved you” in a variety of crisis moments. Generally I feel a comforting assurance, reminding me that I am cared for while in the midst of my trauma. Because I have had a “just as I have loved you” encounter, I am empowered to offer a calm, comforting assurance to others as they deal with their stormy situations.
The month of love is here. May your caregiving be empowered because you can recall moments where you have felt “just as I have loved you."
Ben Keckler
02.05.08
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
--Jesus
Love one another—a new commandment? Love was around for a long, long time before John took time to write these words he remembered from the lips of Jesus. We are aware that love has many definitions. Are there ways that you experience the words, “Just as I have loved you?” If there are, then you have an indication about ways that you can respond to others. Here is an example.
I have experienced “just as I have loved you” in a variety of crisis moments. Generally I feel a comforting assurance, reminding me that I am cared for while in the midst of my trauma. Because I have had a “just as I have loved you” encounter, I am empowered to offer a calm, comforting assurance to others as they deal with their stormy situations.
The month of love is here. May your caregiving be empowered because you can recall moments where you have felt “just as I have loved you."
Ben Keckler
02.05.08
Monday, February 4, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, February 4
Love That Never Ceases
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
--Lamentations 3: 22-23
This strong statement of faith actually comes from a lament, a human cry directed to God. Lamentations 3 is an acrostic poem that uses all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to describe the grief, the pain, the illness and the helplessness that the writer has felt. Yet, in the middle of all the experiential “stuff” the writer issues this bold proclamation about the steadfast love of a faithful God.
These ancient words resonate in my soul. Life is not easy. The pain is more than I want to face. The inner peace I desire is either absent or hard to access. But I do have hope! We have hope! In the midst of our complicated lives, the Holy One does come to us and assures us that we are loved. We are sustained with the certainty that there is a wide, accessible mercy embracing us as we experience daily living. May your life be sustained with the statement of faith from an ancient writer.
A reading for today: Lamentations 3
Ben Keckler
02.04.08
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
--Lamentations 3: 22-23
This strong statement of faith actually comes from a lament, a human cry directed to God. Lamentations 3 is an acrostic poem that uses all the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to describe the grief, the pain, the illness and the helplessness that the writer has felt. Yet, in the middle of all the experiential “stuff” the writer issues this bold proclamation about the steadfast love of a faithful God.
These ancient words resonate in my soul. Life is not easy. The pain is more than I want to face. The inner peace I desire is either absent or hard to access. But I do have hope! We have hope! In the midst of our complicated lives, the Holy One does come to us and assures us that we are loved. We are sustained with the certainty that there is a wide, accessible mercy embracing us as we experience daily living. May your life be sustained with the statement of faith from an ancient writer.
A reading for today: Lamentations 3
Ben Keckler
02.04.08
Friday, February 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, February 1
Help!
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Psalm 24: 1
Today another month on the calendar is completed and when the day is finished, 8% of the “New Year” will be behind us. Reflecting, we find many kinds of tension seem to be accelerating —political, economic, personal, etc. Today is probably a very good day to remember the truth of our focus verse. Spend some time thinking about the vastness of this simple statement: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.”
After a time of meditation on the verse, join your spirit with the unknown author of this prayer:
"O great and kind Spirit, you have always been, and before you nothing has been. There is no one to pray to but you. The star nations all over the heavens are yours, and yours are the grasses of the earth. You are older than all need, older than all pain and prayer.
"O great and kind Spirit, all over the world the faces of living ones are alike. With tenderness have they come out of the earth from which you give us food. Look on your children. With children in their arms, they face the wind and walk the red road to the day of quiet.
"O great and kind Spirit fill us with light. Give us strength to understand and eyes to see deeply. Teach us to walk on soft earth as relatives to all that live. Help us! Without you, we are nothing."
A prayer for today:
Thank you, O Creator who loves your creation. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.01.08
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Psalm 24: 1
Today another month on the calendar is completed and when the day is finished, 8% of the “New Year” will be behind us. Reflecting, we find many kinds of tension seem to be accelerating —political, economic, personal, etc. Today is probably a very good day to remember the truth of our focus verse. Spend some time thinking about the vastness of this simple statement: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.”
After a time of meditation on the verse, join your spirit with the unknown author of this prayer:
"O great and kind Spirit, you have always been, and before you nothing has been. There is no one to pray to but you. The star nations all over the heavens are yours, and yours are the grasses of the earth. You are older than all need, older than all pain and prayer.
"O great and kind Spirit, all over the world the faces of living ones are alike. With tenderness have they come out of the earth from which you give us food. Look on your children. With children in their arms, they face the wind and walk the red road to the day of quiet.
"O great and kind Spirit fill us with light. Give us strength to understand and eyes to see deeply. Teach us to walk on soft earth as relatives to all that live. Help us! Without you, we are nothing."
A prayer for today:
Thank you, O Creator who loves your creation. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.01.08
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