Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
A songwriter announces his/her belief
In the Creator’s springtime goodness
--Psalm 65: 9
This week we’ve looked at a number of various passages in the life journey. Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. It seems fitting, as we come to the end of a week, to think about those difficult rhythms of adulthood (healing moments and moments of passage into eternal spaces). A meditation by Elias Amidon:
Friend, you lie quiet, watching the dawn light color your heart,
Dreaming of healing for your hurt body, laying there unanswerable to your will.
You breathe deep and your breath has two sides: inside and outside.
You are on both, being breathed.
The future approaches. You will heal or you will go back to being God.
Which will you do?
Oh by all that is beautiful—may it be that you live!
May your body heal happy and whole! May energy fill and delight you!
May we join the dance your presence gives. May you live!
And if you die? Oh dear self, by all that is beautiful,
Know you are Safe! Everything is All Right Forever and Ever and Ever!
The most wonderful, exquisite, familiar truth is what is True, and welcomes you.
It will be very easy.
You lie quiet now, praying. A great healing is coming and you want to be ready.
The colors of your heart blend with the light of the morning and
YOU ARE BLESSED!
Have a good weekend!
Ben Keckler
05.30.08
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, May 29
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
--Psalm 65: 9
Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. Come with me, friends, on a journey through some of the rhythms we experience. Come and meditate. Today a Mary Mackintosh prayer, filled with the spirit of Irish descendants, offers this prayer for a child transitioning into adolescence:
Power of raven be yours,
Power of eagle be yours,
Power of the Fianna.*
Power of storm be yours,
Power of moon be yours,
Power of sun.
Power of sea be yours,
Power of land be yours,
Power of heaven.
Goodness of sea be yours,
Goodness of earth be yours,
Goodness of heaven.
Each day be joy to you
No day be too sad for you,
Honour and tenderness embrace you always.
*Fianna refers to a listing of heroes and heroines of Irish folk legends.
Ben Keckler
05.29.08
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
--Psalm 65: 9
Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. Come with me, friends, on a journey through some of the rhythms we experience. Come and meditate. Today a Mary Mackintosh prayer, filled with the spirit of Irish descendants, offers this prayer for a child transitioning into adolescence:
Power of raven be yours,
Power of eagle be yours,
Power of the Fianna.*
Power of storm be yours,
Power of moon be yours,
Power of sun.
Power of sea be yours,
Power of land be yours,
Power of heaven.
Goodness of sea be yours,
Goodness of earth be yours,
Goodness of heaven.
Each day be joy to you
No day be too sad for you,
Honour and tenderness embrace you always.
*Fianna refers to a listing of heroes and heroines of Irish folk legends.
Ben Keckler
05.29.08
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, May 28
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it….”
A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
--Psalm 65: 9
Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. So come with me friends on a journey through some of the rhythms we experience. Come and meditate. Today a prayer for a baptism or blessing of a child as written by The Rev. Mark Belletini:
We bless this child with the elements of our common being,
With earth, air, fire and water.
With earth, which is as solid as your given frame, my child,
we bless you.
Take care of yourself as a body; be good to yourself, for you are a good gift.
With air, which is as fluctuating as your given passion my child,
we bless you.
You will know sorrow and joy, rage and contentment, resentment and ecstasy.
Feel your passions my child, they are good gifts.
With fire, which is as illuminating as your given intelligence my child, we bless you.
Reason with care, test the world, and think with care, for your mind is a good gift.
With water, which is as clear as your spirit my child, we bless you.
Grow in conscience, be rooted in good stories, and grow spiritually,
for spirit too is a good gift.
Bless you, my child.
Ben Keckler
05.28.08
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it….”
A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
--Psalm 65: 9
Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. So come with me friends on a journey through some of the rhythms we experience. Come and meditate. Today a prayer for a baptism or blessing of a child as written by The Rev. Mark Belletini:
We bless this child with the elements of our common being,
With earth, air, fire and water.
With earth, which is as solid as your given frame, my child,
we bless you.
Take care of yourself as a body; be good to yourself, for you are a good gift.
With air, which is as fluctuating as your given passion my child,
we bless you.
You will know sorrow and joy, rage and contentment, resentment and ecstasy.
Feel your passions my child, they are good gifts.
With fire, which is as illuminating as your given intelligence my child, we bless you.
Reason with care, test the world, and think with care, for your mind is a good gift.
With water, which is as clear as your spirit my child, we bless you.
Grow in conscience, be rooted in good stories, and grow spiritually,
for spirit too is a good gift.
Bless you, my child.
Ben Keckler
05.28.08
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, May 27
The Last Psalm 23 Reflection
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 for our final devotion on the 23rd Psalm:
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 rest of the week.
Ben Keckler
05.27.08
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 for our final devotion on the 23rd Psalm:
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 rest of the week.
Ben Keckler
05.27.08
Daily Devotions - Monday, May 26
Another Week and
Reflections on the 23rd Psalm
Last week we concluded with thoughts about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today we are presented with a trio of statements about the shepherd’s care giving. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.” Let’s approach this trio in two ways today.
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (in the medical fields - medications, lotions, dressings); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
As people dedicated to quality care giving, let us continue to display the words of the Psalmist in our words and our work. May the grace of God flow through you.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make possible to me, O Lord, by grace that which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.26.08
Reflections on the 23rd Psalm
Last week we concluded with thoughts about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today we are presented with a trio of statements about the shepherd’s care giving. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.” Let’s approach this trio in two ways today.
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (in the medical fields - medications, lotions, dressings); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
As people dedicated to quality care giving, let us continue to display the words of the Psalmist in our words and our work. May the grace of God flow through you.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make possible to me, O Lord, by grace that which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.26.08
Friday, May 23, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, May 23
More Reflections on the 23rd Psalm
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that we all experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened — these are some of those valleys we hesitate to name.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we can be just like an easily frightened lamb. We feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know when we are traveling through these difficult places that our Creator is present with rod and staff to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust the shepherd.
Have a good day today and an even better weekend. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness. May your care giving be blessed with a touch of the divine?
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.23.08
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that we all experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened — these are some of those valleys we hesitate to name.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we can be just like an easily frightened lamb. We feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know when we are traveling through these difficult places that our Creator is present with rod and staff to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust the shepherd.
Have a good day today and an even better weekend. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness. May your care giving be blessed with a touch of the divine?
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.23.08
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, May 22
Further Reflections on Psalm 23
We are getting close to a holiday weekend and may be longing to experience the soothing words of the 23rd Psalm. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.”
As this spring season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we.
The writer of this song seems to say, “God leads me to the places he does and I know my shepherd is providing for my renewal. Yes, God is enabling me to recapture my energy and move ahead.” By listening closely, you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
A Prayer attributed to John Neale: “Lord, one day I will live with you where you are. Live with me where I am now. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.22.08
We are getting close to a holiday weekend and may be longing to experience the soothing words of the 23rd Psalm. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.”
As this spring season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we.
The writer of this song seems to say, “God leads me to the places he does and I know my shepherd is providing for my renewal. Yes, God is enabling me to recapture my energy and move ahead.” By listening closely, you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
A Prayer attributed to John Neale: “Lord, one day I will live with you where you are. Live with me where I am now. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
05.22.08
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, May 21
Reflections on the 23rd Psalm
Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance, they need to be watched and protected and encouraged. No one knows this better than a sheep herder.
The 23rd Psalm starts with the writer confessing the needs of his soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”
I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied. May you be blessed with the ability to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, 'Ask and it will be given you.' So I come and ask. Amen."
Ben Keckler
05.21.08
Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance, they need to be watched and protected and encouraged. No one knows this better than a sheep herder.
The 23rd Psalm starts with the writer confessing the needs of his soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”
I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied. May you be blessed with the ability to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, 'Ask and it will be given you.' So I come and ask. Amen."
Ben Keckler
05.21.08
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, May 20
Reminders of God’s Care
“The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.”
--A Song from the Scriptures
As we move toward race weekend in the greater Indy area, it is appropriate to remember the weekend is a time to remember those who have done and do so much to keep us free. Downtown Indianapolis is known for its many great tributes of veterans—it is good to be in Indiana. It also good to remember the saints who surround us and sustain us — the great cloud of witnesses as they are called in Scripture. St. Francis of Assisi first shared today’s prayer centuries ago. Here is an excerpt from Canticle of the Sun.
Most High, all-powerful and good Father,
To you belong all praises, all glory, honor and blessing!
To you alone do they belong, for no mere man is worthy to mention your name.
Praised are you, my Lord,
Through all your creation – especially Brother Sun.
He is the day and through him you give us light.
Praised are you, my Lord,
Through Sister Moon, and all the stars.
There in the heavens, you formed them, clear-shining, precious and lovely!
May the sun, the moon and all the activities of the holiday weekend bring you reminders of God’s continued care.
Ben Keckler
05.20.08
“The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.”
--A Song from the Scriptures
As we move toward race weekend in the greater Indy area, it is appropriate to remember the weekend is a time to remember those who have done and do so much to keep us free. Downtown Indianapolis is known for its many great tributes of veterans—it is good to be in Indiana. It also good to remember the saints who surround us and sustain us — the great cloud of witnesses as they are called in Scripture. St. Francis of Assisi first shared today’s prayer centuries ago. Here is an excerpt from Canticle of the Sun.
Most High, all-powerful and good Father,
To you belong all praises, all glory, honor and blessing!
To you alone do they belong, for no mere man is worthy to mention your name.
Praised are you, my Lord,
Through all your creation – especially Brother Sun.
He is the day and through him you give us light.
Praised are you, my Lord,
Through Sister Moon, and all the stars.
There in the heavens, you formed them, clear-shining, precious and lovely!
May the sun, the moon and all the activities of the holiday weekend bring you reminders of God’s continued care.
Ben Keckler
05.20.08
Monday, May 19, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, May 19
The Luggage We Carry
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff—
They comfort me.”
--Psalm 23: 4
Having met a significant number of people who appear to have a platter that is full to over-flowing, the following reminder from Max Lucado seems to be in order:
Release Your Burdens
This morning, somewhere between your first step on the floor
And your last step out the door, you grabbed some luggage.
The bags you grabbed are not made of leather;
They’re made of burdens.
A suitcase of guilt.
A sack of discontent.
A duffel bag of weariness.
Set them down.
A prayer: God of this moment, empower me to set down my baggage and trust that you are taking care of things, even when the valley is dark and I fear that my baggage could get lost. By the way God, if they do get lost, help me to realize that it can be a blessing. In fact, without that stuff weighing me down, I may get out of this dark valley. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.19.08
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff—
They comfort me.”
--Psalm 23: 4
Having met a significant number of people who appear to have a platter that is full to over-flowing, the following reminder from Max Lucado seems to be in order:
Release Your Burdens
This morning, somewhere between your first step on the floor
And your last step out the door, you grabbed some luggage.
The bags you grabbed are not made of leather;
They’re made of burdens.
A suitcase of guilt.
A sack of discontent.
A duffel bag of weariness.
Set them down.
A prayer: God of this moment, empower me to set down my baggage and trust that you are taking care of things, even when the valley is dark and I fear that my baggage could get lost. By the way God, if they do get lost, help me to realize that it can be a blessing. In fact, without that stuff weighing me down, I may get out of this dark valley. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.19.08
Friday, May 16, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, May 16
Have A Nice Forever!
Some years ago Frederick Buechner decided to write a book of meditations based on his experiences. He titled the book Listening to Your Life. Prize winning poet Maya Angelou says of the book, “This book is meant to possess, and at the same time liberate, the heart. I’m happy to report it succeeds.”
For May 30, Buechner’s meditation is entitled “In Search.” He describes the process of inner journey (the spiritual journey, the journey to awareness, etc.). These words are accurate for me and they may be helpful for you as you continue your trek of searching and discovery.
“…even when, to one degree or another, we find the things we are searching for we find also that there is still something crucial missing which we have not found, we search for that unfound thing too, even though we do not know its name or where it is to be found or even if it is to be found at all.”
Enjoy your journey — today, this weekend, and beyond. As 94-year-old Hazel, a dementia-plagued resident in a retirement community, often told me at the conclusion of our visits, “Have a nice forever!”
A prayer: God, guide me in my search. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.16.08
Some years ago Frederick Buechner decided to write a book of meditations based on his experiences. He titled the book Listening to Your Life. Prize winning poet Maya Angelou says of the book, “This book is meant to possess, and at the same time liberate, the heart. I’m happy to report it succeeds.”
For May 30, Buechner’s meditation is entitled “In Search.” He describes the process of inner journey (the spiritual journey, the journey to awareness, etc.). These words are accurate for me and they may be helpful for you as you continue your trek of searching and discovery.
“…even when, to one degree or another, we find the things we are searching for we find also that there is still something crucial missing which we have not found, we search for that unfound thing too, even though we do not know its name or where it is to be found or even if it is to be found at all.”
Enjoy your journey — today, this weekend, and beyond. As 94-year-old Hazel, a dementia-plagued resident in a retirement community, often told me at the conclusion of our visits, “Have a nice forever!”
A prayer: God, guide me in my search. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.16.08
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, May 15
The Middles
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless God’s holy name.
It is God who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
-- A Hebrew hymn, Psalm 103: 1, 5
Some days, youthfulness is difficult to feel, to recognize and to embrace. Daily we encounter people whose youthfulness has been zapped from them-- some of them seem far too young to have that happen to them.
When “the middle years” (what is that range these days?) visit us, we feel we have gained a perspective on life. We struggle with phrases like “God satisfies you with good as long as you live.” We can find it difficult to fully bless the Lord as we might have earlier in our lives. Here is an example of the “middle years” struggle expressed in prayer form by Rabbi Rami Shapiro:
“Is it morning, really morning, or is it just another day?
A new beginning or just a continuing yesterday?
How I wish for morning: a light soft and bleaching a night’s pain.
A new beginning, a new day.
But I fear morning is no longer with me.
Beginnings rarely seek me out—I am too much with middles.”
Seems to be an honest lament. If you are in the “middles”, remember you are not alone. May you find enough youthfulness today to empower you.
A prayer: God, I am too much with middles. Guide me to the land where eagles soar with youthful strength. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.15.08
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless God’s holy name.
It is God who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
-- A Hebrew hymn, Psalm 103: 1, 5
Some days, youthfulness is difficult to feel, to recognize and to embrace. Daily we encounter people whose youthfulness has been zapped from them-- some of them seem far too young to have that happen to them.
When “the middle years” (what is that range these days?) visit us, we feel we have gained a perspective on life. We struggle with phrases like “God satisfies you with good as long as you live.” We can find it difficult to fully bless the Lord as we might have earlier in our lives. Here is an example of the “middle years” struggle expressed in prayer form by Rabbi Rami Shapiro:
“Is it morning, really morning, or is it just another day?
A new beginning or just a continuing yesterday?
How I wish for morning: a light soft and bleaching a night’s pain.
A new beginning, a new day.
But I fear morning is no longer with me.
Beginnings rarely seek me out—I am too much with middles.”
Seems to be an honest lament. If you are in the “middles”, remember you are not alone. May you find enough youthfulness today to empower you.
A prayer: God, I am too much with middles. Guide me to the land where eagles soar with youthful strength. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.15.08
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, May 14
Creation is Good
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is nearly half over! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy and ready for planting. The perennials are, for the most part, looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy pounds of birdseed I put out each morning. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day in your labors.
Ben Keckler
05.14.08
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is nearly half over! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy and ready for planting. The perennials are, for the most part, looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy pounds of birdseed I put out each morning. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day in your labors.
Ben Keckler
05.14.08
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, May 13
When God Over-does It!
Recently I participated in a book festival with 80 authors. Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays With Morrie, was there and attracted quite a crowd. This book is the story of a college professor, Morrie Schwartz, and the last weeks of his life. Mitch Albom was one of the professor’s students who, upon hearing that his beloved teacher was dying, decided he wanted to spend time with his professor and learn some additional lessons about life. This little snippet shows that Morrie didn’t lose his spark and enthusiasm even as he journeyed toward his eternal rest.
Okay, question, I say to Morrie. His bony fingers hold his glasses across his chest, which rises and falls with each labored breath.
“What is the question?” he says.
Remember the Book of Job?
“From the Bible?”
Right, Job is a good man, but God makes him suffer. To test his faith.
“I remember.”
Takes away everything he has, his house, his money, his family…
“His health.”
Makes him sick.
“To test his faith.”
Right, I say. To test his faith. So, I’m wondering…
“What are you wondering?”
What you think about that?
Morrie coughs violently. His hands quiver as he drops them by his side.
“I think,” he says, smiling, “God overdid it.” (Pages 150-151)
May you find enough spark and enthusiasm for today. Thanks Morrie for the insight!
Ben Keckler
05.13.08
Recently I participated in a book festival with 80 authors. Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays With Morrie, was there and attracted quite a crowd. This book is the story of a college professor, Morrie Schwartz, and the last weeks of his life. Mitch Albom was one of the professor’s students who, upon hearing that his beloved teacher was dying, decided he wanted to spend time with his professor and learn some additional lessons about life. This little snippet shows that Morrie didn’t lose his spark and enthusiasm even as he journeyed toward his eternal rest.
Okay, question, I say to Morrie. His bony fingers hold his glasses across his chest, which rises and falls with each labored breath.
“What is the question?” he says.
Remember the Book of Job?
“From the Bible?”
Right, Job is a good man, but God makes him suffer. To test his faith.
“I remember.”
Takes away everything he has, his house, his money, his family…
“His health.”
Makes him sick.
“To test his faith.”
Right, I say. To test his faith. So, I’m wondering…
“What are you wondering?”
What you think about that?
Morrie coughs violently. His hands quiver as he drops them by his side.
“I think,” he says, smiling, “God overdid it.” (Pages 150-151)
May you find enough spark and enthusiasm for today. Thanks Morrie for the insight!
Ben Keckler
05.13.08
Daily Devotions - Monday, May 12
Thoughts on Spirituality
Authentic spiritual wholeness, by its very nature, is open-ended.
It is always in the process of becoming, always incomplete.
--Gerald May, M.D.—Addiction and Grace
Dr. May’s observation paints such a helpful picture for us. On the one hand we long for completeness, for a finished product, for everything to be neatly tied together; on the other hand we need to realize that the journey through life is not a completed map.
As we develop, understand and accept the new things that come our way, we become healthier people. The more we do this, the more we realize the open-ended nature of spirituality. When we get to the point that this process is routine, life becomes one fabulous journey of “Amazing Grace.”
Authentic living—that is what we long for. Enjoy your day!!! And enjoy your week as you discover the many ways that the Holy One is gracing your journey.
A prayer for today: God of the journey, continue to grace my life and help me see the ways that you intend for me to mature. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.12.08
Authentic spiritual wholeness, by its very nature, is open-ended.
It is always in the process of becoming, always incomplete.
--Gerald May, M.D.—Addiction and Grace
Dr. May’s observation paints such a helpful picture for us. On the one hand we long for completeness, for a finished product, for everything to be neatly tied together; on the other hand we need to realize that the journey through life is not a completed map.
As we develop, understand and accept the new things that come our way, we become healthier people. The more we do this, the more we realize the open-ended nature of spirituality. When we get to the point that this process is routine, life becomes one fabulous journey of “Amazing Grace.”
Authentic living—that is what we long for. Enjoy your day!!! And enjoy your week as you discover the many ways that the Holy One is gracing your journey.
A prayer for today: God of the journey, continue to grace my life and help me see the ways that you intend for me to mature. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.12.08
Friday, May 9, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, May 9
More Grief Talk!
“If we include our ‘little griefs’
along with our ‘large griefs’
we can say that grief is as natural to every person as breathing.”
--Granger Westburg from "Good Grief"
Over the last four or five decades grief awareness has grown remarkably. Unfortunately much of the time we still associate the word grief with death. Westburg reminds us that death is a large grief but that there are many other “little griefs” that come our way.
During springtime people in Indiana some may have to face “tornado grief.” During economic downtimes, people face “job-loss grief.” With some illnesses like Alzheimer’s, families face the loss of a person before the death of a person. Moving or other types of change in family life brings grief to the forefront. A hospital or a county with “growing pains” can be a grief producer. The list, in fact, could be quite lengthy.
Often we sweep this “grief stuff” under the carpet or hide it away in a closet. When we open ourselves to the challenge of “working through” our grief (whether little or large), we affirm our common ground with one another. When we pour out our grief, we open ourselves to the healing power that others have to give.
May you have the courage to identify and clarify our own “griefs” AND, as we work through them, may they become “Good Grief.”
A prayer for today:
Healing God, grant me honesty that will lead to healing. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.09.08
“If we include our ‘little griefs’
along with our ‘large griefs’
we can say that grief is as natural to every person as breathing.”
--Granger Westburg from "Good Grief"
Over the last four or five decades grief awareness has grown remarkably. Unfortunately much of the time we still associate the word grief with death. Westburg reminds us that death is a large grief but that there are many other “little griefs” that come our way.
During springtime people in Indiana some may have to face “tornado grief.” During economic downtimes, people face “job-loss grief.” With some illnesses like Alzheimer’s, families face the loss of a person before the death of a person. Moving or other types of change in family life brings grief to the forefront. A hospital or a county with “growing pains” can be a grief producer. The list, in fact, could be quite lengthy.
Often we sweep this “grief stuff” under the carpet or hide it away in a closet. When we open ourselves to the challenge of “working through” our grief (whether little or large), we affirm our common ground with one another. When we pour out our grief, we open ourselves to the healing power that others have to give.
May you have the courage to identify and clarify our own “griefs” AND, as we work through them, may they become “Good Grief.”
A prayer for today:
Healing God, grant me honesty that will lead to healing. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.09.08
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, May 8
The Wonderful World of Another
A thought for today:
“There are two ways of looking at the world,
of entering into relationship with it.
We may see in it nothing but things.
On the other hand, one can lay oneself open
to the world of persons.”
--Paul Tournier
Around 65 years ago Swiss physician, Dr. Paul Tournier, began writing books calling health care providers to be concerned about the entire person. The books are classics and need to be referenced in each and every decade.
Our gadget filled, convenience oriented society puts a great deal of pressure on all of us to look at the world, to relate to the world of things. For example, after a day at work it is often easier to go home and turn on the radio or TV than it is to take twenty of thirty minutes relating to those significant persons in our lives. We could create an endless list of the ways that the world of things takes precedence over the world of persons.
The “things” of our society are not necessarily bad or evil. Take this devotional. The world of computers has given us a means of generating this. Tournier’s reminder is about our relating to the world. If we relate only through things, we are missing the wonderful world of heart and soul interaction. Relational time can contribute to healthier living.
Take some time today to “open to the world of persons”. It is a tremendous opportunity that may bring the Holy One closer to you than you ever imagined. Take some time and think about how you are relating to the things and persons around you. May your day be filled with blessedness!
Ben Keckler
05.08.08
A thought for today:
“There are two ways of looking at the world,
of entering into relationship with it.
We may see in it nothing but things.
On the other hand, one can lay oneself open
to the world of persons.”
--Paul Tournier
Around 65 years ago Swiss physician, Dr. Paul Tournier, began writing books calling health care providers to be concerned about the entire person. The books are classics and need to be referenced in each and every decade.
Our gadget filled, convenience oriented society puts a great deal of pressure on all of us to look at the world, to relate to the world of things. For example, after a day at work it is often easier to go home and turn on the radio or TV than it is to take twenty of thirty minutes relating to those significant persons in our lives. We could create an endless list of the ways that the world of things takes precedence over the world of persons.
The “things” of our society are not necessarily bad or evil. Take this devotional. The world of computers has given us a means of generating this. Tournier’s reminder is about our relating to the world. If we relate only through things, we are missing the wonderful world of heart and soul interaction. Relational time can contribute to healthier living.
Take some time today to “open to the world of persons”. It is a tremendous opportunity that may bring the Holy One closer to you than you ever imagined. Take some time and think about how you are relating to the things and persons around you. May your day be filled with blessedness!
Ben Keckler
05.08.08
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, May 7
Meditation About Necklaces?
In a fabulous necklace I had to admire the anonymous string
by which the whole thing was strung together.
--Dom. Helder Camara, Brazilian bishop to the poor
Each and every day more people are born into or arrive at the door of poverty than the number of people who are born into or arrive at self-sustaining affluence. It happens in our land and every country of the world. Global village realities are often ignored because we look at the fabulous necklace rather than the string.
How we long for a life where everyone is self-supporting, a life where everyone has nice gems on their necklace string! The reality is that fewer and fewer people are self-supporting. Susan Classen, missionary to El Salvador, tells this story:
A group of women in El Salvador called the “Mothers of the Disappeared, Tortured and Assassinated” meet regularly as a support group. Affluent security forces during the civil war killed their husbands and/or children. One of the ladies, Antonia, says, “My life is like a necklace—the beads would have gone rolling all over the floor with the suffering I’ve experienced, if it weren’t for the support group that holds me together just like the string that holds the beads together.”
Poverty has many different forms. We usually think of it economically. Yet, there are many different losses that cause each of us to arrive at a door of poverty. A support group kept poor Antonia affluent in the midst of her poverty. Support groups are important for every person. In order to have a deep and lasting trust, we must open our hearts to the hearts of others. When we take time to weave strands of trust, we are remembering the importance of the fine string holding the gemstones of our life.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, show me my poverty. Help me as I strengthen the string that holds the gems you have given me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.07.08
In a fabulous necklace I had to admire the anonymous string
by which the whole thing was strung together.
--Dom. Helder Camara, Brazilian bishop to the poor
Each and every day more people are born into or arrive at the door of poverty than the number of people who are born into or arrive at self-sustaining affluence. It happens in our land and every country of the world. Global village realities are often ignored because we look at the fabulous necklace rather than the string.
How we long for a life where everyone is self-supporting, a life where everyone has nice gems on their necklace string! The reality is that fewer and fewer people are self-supporting. Susan Classen, missionary to El Salvador, tells this story:
A group of women in El Salvador called the “Mothers of the Disappeared, Tortured and Assassinated” meet regularly as a support group. Affluent security forces during the civil war killed their husbands and/or children. One of the ladies, Antonia, says, “My life is like a necklace—the beads would have gone rolling all over the floor with the suffering I’ve experienced, if it weren’t for the support group that holds me together just like the string that holds the beads together.”
Poverty has many different forms. We usually think of it economically. Yet, there are many different losses that cause each of us to arrive at a door of poverty. A support group kept poor Antonia affluent in the midst of her poverty. Support groups are important for every person. In order to have a deep and lasting trust, we must open our hearts to the hearts of others. When we take time to weave strands of trust, we are remembering the importance of the fine string holding the gemstones of our life.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, show me my poverty. Help me as I strengthen the string that holds the gems you have given me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.07.08
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, May 6
Go Ahead, Leap!
“We both believe and disbelieve a hundred times an hour
which keeps Believing nimble.”
--Emily Dickinson
What would it have been like to know and talk with Emily Dickinson? From time to time one of her great lines appears and it makes so much sense. She was so insightful. The quote above is one of those insightful quotes.
The struggle to trust God in all things is so very difficult. Trusting calls for a real leap of faith. Life really is acting in faith as if we trust and then, when we discover that we are kept safe, our trust emerges.
As we take enough time to listen to our hearts, we sense there is a dialog that's happening! The dialog is between belief and disbelief. It goes something like this, “Should I leave this place of comfort, not knowing whether there is going to be comfort beyond this place?” As we leap into the uncharted space, we discover that the boundaries of God’s love are greater than we imagined. We find an “at-home-ness” that keeps expanding.
This week will be filled with hundreds of possibilities. Leap into the spaciousness of the eternal, ever-present one; or…debate about it; or … stay in the present; or …???
May your trusting stay nimble.
A prayer: God of the journey, may my week be filled with opportunities to leap, knowing that you will embrace me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.06.08
“We both believe and disbelieve a hundred times an hour
which keeps Believing nimble.”
--Emily Dickinson
What would it have been like to know and talk with Emily Dickinson? From time to time one of her great lines appears and it makes so much sense. She was so insightful. The quote above is one of those insightful quotes.
The struggle to trust God in all things is so very difficult. Trusting calls for a real leap of faith. Life really is acting in faith as if we trust and then, when we discover that we are kept safe, our trust emerges.
As we take enough time to listen to our hearts, we sense there is a dialog that's happening! The dialog is between belief and disbelief. It goes something like this, “Should I leave this place of comfort, not knowing whether there is going to be comfort beyond this place?” As we leap into the uncharted space, we discover that the boundaries of God’s love are greater than we imagined. We find an “at-home-ness” that keeps expanding.
This week will be filled with hundreds of possibilities. Leap into the spaciousness of the eternal, ever-present one; or…debate about it; or … stay in the present; or …???
May your trusting stay nimble.
A prayer: God of the journey, may my week be filled with opportunities to leap, knowing that you will embrace me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
05.06.08
Monday, May 5, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, May 5
The Words We Speak
“It was so cold that if the thermometer had been an inch longer,
we would have frozen to death.”
--Mark Twain
All of us are aware that the length of the thermometer is not what causes us to freeze to death. A similar analogy is probably true about the words we speak. Words can cause us to freeze to death too—sometimes it’s the words we say, but more often it’s how our words are decoded by the listener(s). Words, words, words. Here is a little story that Tony de Mello tells about a farmer in Finland:
“When they were drawing up the Russian-Finnish border,the farmer had to decide whether he wanted to be in Russia or Finland. After a long time he said he wanted to be in Finland, but he didn’t want to offend the Russian officials. They came to him and wanted to know why he wanted to be in Finland. The farmer replied, “It has always been my desire to live in Mother Russia, but at my age I wouldn’t be able to survive another Russian winter.”
How problematic our words can be! Our communication with one another can sometimes be incomplete and misunderstood. Who knows? Maybe this very meditation doesn’t make sense! Maybe you are interpreting my words in a different way than I am wanting! It seems the Psalmist captured the most important aspect of communication:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Ben Keckler
05.05.08
“It was so cold that if the thermometer had been an inch longer,
we would have frozen to death.”
--Mark Twain
All of us are aware that the length of the thermometer is not what causes us to freeze to death. A similar analogy is probably true about the words we speak. Words can cause us to freeze to death too—sometimes it’s the words we say, but more often it’s how our words are decoded by the listener(s). Words, words, words. Here is a little story that Tony de Mello tells about a farmer in Finland:
“When they were drawing up the Russian-Finnish border,the farmer had to decide whether he wanted to be in Russia or Finland. After a long time he said he wanted to be in Finland, but he didn’t want to offend the Russian officials. They came to him and wanted to know why he wanted to be in Finland. The farmer replied, “It has always been my desire to live in Mother Russia, but at my age I wouldn’t be able to survive another Russian winter.”
How problematic our words can be! Our communication with one another can sometimes be incomplete and misunderstood. Who knows? Maybe this very meditation doesn’t make sense! Maybe you are interpreting my words in a different way than I am wanting! It seems the Psalmist captured the most important aspect of communication:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Ben Keckler
05.05.08
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, May 1
Listening to the Children
The dormitory rooms for the week long mission in El Salvador were 8’ x 8’ for the four men and 8’ x 10’ for the six women. The concrete floor was softened at night by 3” thick mattresses. The porch had plastic and wooden chairs to use during the evening conversation and fellowship time. Outside the gate, the children of Guadeloupe gathered, peering in and calling our names. Within one short day, we all became family. So, after each hard day of home building we quickly showered and spent each evening with these joyful, laughing, compassionate children whose parents worked late into the night to bring home their meager earnings of $.33 to $3.00 for the day.
An excerpt from a poem by Kahlil Gibran (The Prophet, Knopf, 1955) seems so right:
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.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
Ben Keckler
05.01.08
The dormitory rooms for the week long mission in El Salvador were 8’ x 8’ for the four men and 8’ x 10’ for the six women. The concrete floor was softened at night by 3” thick mattresses. The porch had plastic and wooden chairs to use during the evening conversation and fellowship time. Outside the gate, the children of Guadeloupe gathered, peering in and calling our names. Within one short day, we all became family. So, after each hard day of home building we quickly showered and spent each evening with these joyful, laughing, compassionate children whose parents worked late into the night to bring home their meager earnings of $.33 to $3.00 for the day.
An excerpt from a poem by Kahlil Gibran (The Prophet, Knopf, 1955) seems so right:
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.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
Ben Keckler
05.01.08
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