Table Fellowship
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
As a month of devotions about Rwanda comes to a close, I'd like to talk about this global village we live in. Here in Indianapolis, I have a variety of choices about where I might eat food prepared in Indian cuisine. I've lived here for over 8 years now and I have not taken advantage of the opportunity.
While in Kigali, Rwanda, our group had the most pleasant opportunity of eating in an Indian restaurant. The atmosphere was wonderful, the food was excellent and the conversations about our table are still memorable two months later! I wondered why I hadn't taken time to experience Indian culture and cuisine when it is so available just a few miles from my home!
There are so many fears that hold us back from becoming a peaceful global village. I often feel a sense of sadness when I think about the ways we inflict pain upon another by rushing to warfare and weaponry when we can sit down and through dialog and listening become better people, making the world a safer place. Hopefully you have been challenged to spend some time in dialog with people from other parts of our global village through the devotions I've shared with you. All you really need is a shared bowl of rice.
Ben Keckler
10.31.08
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, October 30
Table Fellowship
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
This last week in October, I have chosen to share with you a few stories from my experiences in Rwanda. We continue to integrate the quote of Buscaglia with some table talk from meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
Half way through our experience we had an evening cocktail hour. All the leaders of various organizations were invited to join us at the hotel where we had open discussions about their work and life in Rwanda. Needless to say, as the evening progressed and folks began to “loosen up”, some rather interesting stories emerged. At one point I suggested to one of the Rwandese that, while people appeared joyful on the outside, I sensed a lot of personal pain was being covered up. The person began to weep and, after gathering their emotions, I heard the following words: “Thank you for asking. We smile on the outside, but we cry on the inside. I needed to cry. Thank you.”
When we gather around table with others and share a bowl of rice, we can enter into the depths of each other's lives and develop bonds that will last for a life time. May your day be blessed with some good table fellowship.
Ben Keckler
10.30.08
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
This last week in October, I have chosen to share with you a few stories from my experiences in Rwanda. We continue to integrate the quote of Buscaglia with some table talk from meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
Half way through our experience we had an evening cocktail hour. All the leaders of various organizations were invited to join us at the hotel where we had open discussions about their work and life in Rwanda. Needless to say, as the evening progressed and folks began to “loosen up”, some rather interesting stories emerged. At one point I suggested to one of the Rwandese that, while people appeared joyful on the outside, I sensed a lot of personal pain was being covered up. The person began to weep and, after gathering their emotions, I heard the following words: “Thank you for asking. We smile on the outside, but we cry on the inside. I needed to cry. Thank you.”
When we gather around table with others and share a bowl of rice, we can enter into the depths of each other's lives and develop bonds that will last for a life time. May your day be blessed with some good table fellowship.
Ben Keckler
10.30.08
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 29
Table Fellowship
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
As we come to this last week in October, I have chosen to spend one more week of devotions telling stories from my experience in Rwanda. These devotions will integrate the quote of Leo Buscaglia with some table talk about meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
Today I want to take you to Les Enfants boy's school. During our visit at Les Enfants, we learned about this care giving organization that takes orphaned boys, age 8 to 18, from the streets of Kigali, Rwanda and offers them a safe place where they can receive education, health care, a place to live and three meals a day. They are very aggressive in teaching the young men responsibility and democratic principles of decision making. It was a most inspirational place. Following our tour we were invited to eat a buffet meal with the young men and the staff. Fried plantains, rice, beans, goat knuckles, rabbit stew were among the choices we were offered (our pieces of meat appeared to have a bit more meat than the residents). Bottled water or Fanta sodas were available for drink.
Following lunch we exchanged gifts and several of the young men spoke about their learning process since entering Les Enfants. I learned a lot about life that day; I'm glad I took some time to listen as we shared a bowl of rice.
Ben Keckler
10.29.08
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
As we come to this last week in October, I have chosen to spend one more week of devotions telling stories from my experience in Rwanda. These devotions will integrate the quote of Leo Buscaglia with some table talk about meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
Today I want to take you to Les Enfants boy's school. During our visit at Les Enfants, we learned about this care giving organization that takes orphaned boys, age 8 to 18, from the streets of Kigali, Rwanda and offers them a safe place where they can receive education, health care, a place to live and three meals a day. They are very aggressive in teaching the young men responsibility and democratic principles of decision making. It was a most inspirational place. Following our tour we were invited to eat a buffet meal with the young men and the staff. Fried plantains, rice, beans, goat knuckles, rabbit stew were among the choices we were offered (our pieces of meat appeared to have a bit more meat than the residents). Bottled water or Fanta sodas were available for drink.
Following lunch we exchanged gifts and several of the young men spoke about their learning process since entering Les Enfants. I learned a lot about life that day; I'm glad I took some time to listen as we shared a bowl of rice.
Ben Keckler
10.29.08
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, October 28
Table Fellowship
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
In this last week of October, I have chosen to tell more stories from my experiences in Rwanda. These devotions will integrate the quote of Leo Buscaglia with some table talk about meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
I was privileged to experience table fellowship in a variety of ways. For breakfast we ate at the hotels where a nice five star restaurant buffet was prepared for us to make selections. I was spoiled by such elegant treatment. Lunch was spent with Rwandese citizens (sometimes in orphanages, sometimes in local restaurants) where we enjoyed more ethnic foods like goat knuckles and stews. Dinner was enjoyably spent in a bit more upscale restaurant. No matter where we were, we were able to get a good sense of what it means to be a citizen of Rwanda. Why? Because as we shared life over a nice meal, we shared in common the gift of life and our gratitude for food that sustains us. I learned more with “a simple shared bowl of rice” than I learned journeying up and down the thousand beautiful hills of the country.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today, maybe in table fellowship.
Ben Keckler
10.28.08
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
In this last week of October, I have chosen to tell more stories from my experiences in Rwanda. These devotions will integrate the quote of Leo Buscaglia with some table talk about meals shared with brothers and sisters in Africa.
I was privileged to experience table fellowship in a variety of ways. For breakfast we ate at the hotels where a nice five star restaurant buffet was prepared for us to make selections. I was spoiled by such elegant treatment. Lunch was spent with Rwandese citizens (sometimes in orphanages, sometimes in local restaurants) where we enjoyed more ethnic foods like goat knuckles and stews. Dinner was enjoyably spent in a bit more upscale restaurant. No matter where we were, we were able to get a good sense of what it means to be a citizen of Rwanda. Why? Because as we shared life over a nice meal, we shared in common the gift of life and our gratitude for food that sustains us. I learned more with “a simple shared bowl of rice” than I learned journeying up and down the thousand beautiful hills of the country.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today, maybe in table fellowship.
Ben Keckler
10.28.08
Monday, October 27, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, October 27
Simple Fellowship
“…They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
--An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2: 46, 47)
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are traveling with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with him that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with one another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today.
Ben Keckler
10.27.08
“…They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
--An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2: 46, 47)
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are traveling with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with him that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with one another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today.
Ben Keckler
10.27.08
Friday, October 24, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, October 24
How Can The World Become Better?
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. As we prepare for our weekend, I’d like to introduce you to Dr. John Toma, one of my traveling mates on this study program.
John works as a forensic psychologist in Phoenix, Arizona. On the third day of our trip, John started what turned out to be a most meaningful witness about how you can make the world a better place. John decided he wanted to learn some words in the native language of Rwandan people. Our tour guides would pronounce the words for different foods (various vegetables, etc.) and John would write them phonetically. He would practice the words and laughter would break forth throughout the bus. Eventually he became quite good with these dozen or so words. On Friday of our visit we went to a local marketplace, a sort of open air flea market with all sorts of vendors. John, accompanied by one of our guides, went to the grocery store and bought two bags of food using his newly acquired language. He then asked our guide to find a needy person and he gave them the groceries. The woman was overwhelmed; John had demonstrated that it is more blessed to give. He told us as we returned to the hotel that he does this in every country he visits as a way of living in solidarity with others throughout the global village.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; John Toma’s witness is one example of a person dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.24.08
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. As we prepare for our weekend, I’d like to introduce you to Dr. John Toma, one of my traveling mates on this study program.
John works as a forensic psychologist in Phoenix, Arizona. On the third day of our trip, John started what turned out to be a most meaningful witness about how you can make the world a better place. John decided he wanted to learn some words in the native language of Rwandan people. Our tour guides would pronounce the words for different foods (various vegetables, etc.) and John would write them phonetically. He would practice the words and laughter would break forth throughout the bus. Eventually he became quite good with these dozen or so words. On Friday of our visit we went to a local marketplace, a sort of open air flea market with all sorts of vendors. John, accompanied by one of our guides, went to the grocery store and bought two bags of food using his newly acquired language. He then asked our guide to find a needy person and he gave them the groceries. The woman was overwhelmed; John had demonstrated that it is more blessed to give. He told us as we returned to the hotel that he does this in every country he visits as a way of living in solidarity with others throughout the global village.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; John Toma’s witness is one example of a person dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.24.08
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, October 23
How Can The World Become Better?
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. Today I’d like to introduce you to the work of Handicap International in Kigali, Rwanda.
The staff of Handicap International (HI) works with the poorest of the poor in Kigali. I’ve visited and lived in places of extreme poverty in the United States, in Nicaragua and in El Salvador. I never experienced this level of poverty and I was most impressed with the creative genius of the leaders of HI. For example, the clinic we visited had very little inventory on their pharmacy shelves. The lab was at best quite primitive, housed in a room that had about 60 square feet of floor space. Still the staff was committed to using the best practices available. To attract these impoverished people to receive health care and increase their awareness, the staff had acquired a number of old used computers and had set up an internet café for people to use. While the accommodations were less than desirable, people were excited to use the computers.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; the work of Handicap International is another example of people dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.23.08
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. Today I’d like to introduce you to the work of Handicap International in Kigali, Rwanda.
The staff of Handicap International (HI) works with the poorest of the poor in Kigali. I’ve visited and lived in places of extreme poverty in the United States, in Nicaragua and in El Salvador. I never experienced this level of poverty and I was most impressed with the creative genius of the leaders of HI. For example, the clinic we visited had very little inventory on their pharmacy shelves. The lab was at best quite primitive, housed in a room that had about 60 square feet of floor space. Still the staff was committed to using the best practices available. To attract these impoverished people to receive health care and increase their awareness, the staff had acquired a number of old used computers and had set up an internet café for people to use. While the accommodations were less than desirable, people were excited to use the computers.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; the work of Handicap International is another example of people dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.23.08
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 22
How Can The World Become Better?
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently to recover following genocide just 14 years ago. Today I’d like to introduce you to Arlene Brown, a 77-year-old widow from Pennsylvania who has founded the Urukundo Home for Children.
Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. In her grandmother/great-grandmother years, Arlene has left family and loved ones to establish this growing, developing home for children. She is probably the most energetic, visionary 77-year-old I have ever encountered. There were four building programs under construction at the time of our visit. When fully expanded Urukundo (which means love) will accommodate more than 100 children, have a boarding school, raise all their own crops and livestock, have a small health facility and a couple of businesses. Here orphaned children can receive an education and develop skills to prepare them for living in their home town of Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; Arlene Brown’s energy and visit provide an example of how to make the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.22.08
“Don’t spend your precious time asking
‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently to recover following genocide just 14 years ago. Today I’d like to introduce you to Arlene Brown, a 77-year-old widow from Pennsylvania who has founded the Urukundo Home for Children.
Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. In her grandmother/great-grandmother years, Arlene has left family and loved ones to establish this growing, developing home for children. She is probably the most energetic, visionary 77-year-old I have ever encountered. There were four building programs under construction at the time of our visit. When fully expanded Urukundo (which means love) will accommodate more than 100 children, have a boarding school, raise all their own crops and livestock, have a small health facility and a couple of businesses. Here orphaned children can receive an education and develop skills to prepare them for living in their home town of Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; Arlene Brown’s energy and visit provide an example of how to make the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.22.08
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 21
How Can the World Become Better?
“Don’t spend your precious time asking,
'Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. This week I’d like to introduce you to some of the projects we visited. Today I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute at Columbia University who, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, is heading the Millennium Villages Project in 10 African countries.
The Millennium Villages Project (MVP) is designed to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals in 5 years. The Rwandan project, in the Bugesera District of Rwanda, is helping develop four key components needed for community development. The four focal points are Agriculture, Education, Entrepreneurship and Medical Services. The project is quite a success in this region which has been severely affected by both genocidal and environmental destruction. As with all things in life, there are obvious strengths and weaknesses within the program; this appeared to me as a helpful example of how “trickle down” decision making works. One developmental challenge Rwanda faces with this approach seems to be that their population growth is greater than the infrastructure that the MVP can handle.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; Jeffrey Sachs work is one example of a person dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.21.08
“Don’t spend your precious time asking,
'Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
Traveling to Rwanda this summer gave me an opportunity to observe a most resilient third world country working diligently at recovery following genocide just 14 years ago. This week I’d like to introduce you to some of the projects we visited. Today I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute at Columbia University who, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, is heading the Millennium Villages Project in 10 African countries.
The Millennium Villages Project (MVP) is designed to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals in 5 years. The Rwandan project, in the Bugesera District of Rwanda, is helping develop four key components needed for community development. The four focal points are Agriculture, Education, Entrepreneurship and Medical Services. The project is quite a success in this region which has been severely affected by both genocidal and environmental destruction. As with all things in life, there are obvious strengths and weaknesses within the program; this appeared to me as a helpful example of how “trickle down” decision making works. One developmental challenge Rwanda faces with this approach seems to be that their population growth is greater than the infrastructure that the MVP can handle.
Leo Buscaglia’s quote is most insightful; Jeffrey Sachs work is one example of a person dedicated to making the world a better place.
Ben Keckler
10.21.08
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 20
How We Respond
“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”
--Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24: 15)
“Don’t spend your precious time asking ‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are going to travel with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may encounter the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did and find the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the hospital room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that make a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.20.08
“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”
--Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24: 15)
“Don’t spend your precious time asking ‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 125
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are going to travel with Leo to learn some lessons about life.
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may encounter the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did and find the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the hospital room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that make a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.20.08
Friday, October 17, 2008
Daily Devotions, October 17
One More Hello - Goodbye
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
It's time for a weekend, but let me share one more “hello-goodbye-hello” story that continues to recharge my life. Our tour guide in Rwanda was Suzanne, a charismatic Kenyan who is forging her career in this post-genocidal culture. She is powerful and articulate. As we were preparing to leave Rwanda, I had learned that Suzanne could use some rechargeable batteries and so I gave her four of my batteries, wishing her well. She was overwhelmed with my apparently generous gift and reached into her pocket to give me some Rwandan coins as a return gift. None of us had seen any coins the entire week! She explained that the coins are no longer used, but are valued for collection. “Share them with your grandchildren,” she said.
I can't wait to share the stories of Suzanne – the hello-goodbye-hello – as my grandchildren grow to appreciate the journeys of the heart. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.17.08
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you
and will never leave or forsake you.
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
It's time for a weekend, but let me share one more “hello-goodbye-hello” story that continues to recharge my life. Our tour guide in Rwanda was Suzanne, a charismatic Kenyan who is forging her career in this post-genocidal culture. She is powerful and articulate. As we were preparing to leave Rwanda, I had learned that Suzanne could use some rechargeable batteries and so I gave her four of my batteries, wishing her well. She was overwhelmed with my apparently generous gift and reached into her pocket to give me some Rwandan coins as a return gift. None of us had seen any coins the entire week! She explained that the coins are no longer used, but are valued for collection. “Share them with your grandchildren,” she said.
I can't wait to share the stories of Suzanne – the hello-goodbye-hello – as my grandchildren grow to appreciate the journeys of the heart. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.17.08
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, October 16
Hello and Goodbye, A Part of Life
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
While in Rwanda we were privileged to meet Monique Ladosz, a Swiss born woman who has known pain and loss. She has learned from her “hello-goodbye-hello” experiences and is applying them to life. She now runs a technical school, helping some of the most traumatized young people of the country. She has discovered ways to help young people find a safe haven to talk about problems they generally keep within! She teaches these young people trades (sewing, woodworking, making greeting cards). She prepares them for life beyond the technical school.
There was a special bond between Monique and the young people. She was the first to admit that, while she is quite attached to the children and young people, she must prepare them for life's “hello-goodbye-hello” experiences. I'm glad we could learn from Monique.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.16.08
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
While in Rwanda we were privileged to meet Monique Ladosz, a Swiss born woman who has known pain and loss. She has learned from her “hello-goodbye-hello” experiences and is applying them to life. She now runs a technical school, helping some of the most traumatized young people of the country. She has discovered ways to help young people find a safe haven to talk about problems they generally keep within! She teaches these young people trades (sewing, woodworking, making greeting cards). She prepares them for life beyond the technical school.
There was a special bond between Monique and the young people. She was the first to admit that, while she is quite attached to the children and young people, she must prepare them for life's “hello-goodbye-hello” experiences. I'm glad we could learn from Monique.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.16.08
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 15
Reflections From My Travels
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
On the second full day in Rwanda we visited Village of Hope, a part of the Rwanda Women's Network to promote and improve the socio-economic welfare of Rwandan women. They have a simple store where we had opportunity to purchase goods they had made. I found a tablecloth with matching place mats, coasters, an oven mit, apron and clothing. I decided to purchase it for a minimal price. When one of the women saw my decision she came to me with tears in her eyes and, through a translator, let me know that she was going to make more money that day than she had in two months. Cost: $22.
I don't think I'll ever forget that “hello-goodbye-hello” moment. Today as caregivers we will again discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.15.08
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
On the second full day in Rwanda we visited Village of Hope, a part of the Rwanda Women's Network to promote and improve the socio-economic welfare of Rwandan women. They have a simple store where we had opportunity to purchase goods they had made. I found a tablecloth with matching place mats, coasters, an oven mit, apron and clothing. I decided to purchase it for a minimal price. When one of the women saw my decision she came to me with tears in her eyes and, through a translator, let me know that she was going to make more money that day than she had in two months. Cost: $22.
I don't think I'll ever forget that “hello-goodbye-hello” moment. Today as caregivers we will again discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.15.08
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, October 14
Hello - Goodbye
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
My recent trip to Rwanda was organized through a Rwandan based tourism group, New Dawn Associates. The founder of this relatively new business is a young German who said goodbye to his native Germany and said hello to Rwanda a few years after the genocide. Their work is better detailed on the web.
One of Michael's great gifts is empowering Rwandans to lead this company. While we were there he was invited to travel with the President of Rwanda to another emerging African country and teach his methods of business development and empowerment. He seems to live what Buscaglia is teaching: there is a rhythm in every “hello-goodbye-hello” exchange. Hope you have a “hello-goodbye” moment today!
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.14.08
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
My recent trip to Rwanda was organized through a Rwandan based tourism group, New Dawn Associates. The founder of this relatively new business is a young German who said goodbye to his native Germany and said hello to Rwanda a few years after the genocide. Their work is better detailed on the web.
One of Michael's great gifts is empowering Rwandans to lead this company. While we were there he was invited to travel with the President of Rwanda to another emerging African country and teach his methods of business development and empowerment. He seems to live what Buscaglia is teaching: there is a rhythm in every “hello-goodbye-hello” exchange. Hope you have a “hello-goodbye” moment today!
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.14.08
Monday, October 13, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, October 13
Hellos and Goodbyes
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you
and will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
Today’s scripture verse finds Moses giving a “goodbye speech”. He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia he met Lat, a tour guide who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness, inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn’t show the next day at the appointed time but as he writes, “I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, ‘Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.”
Today in our life we may discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.13.08
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you
and will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
Today’s scripture verse finds Moses giving a “goodbye speech”. He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia he met Lat, a tour guide who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness, inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn’t show the next day at the appointed time but as he writes, “I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, ‘Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.”
Today in our life we may discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.13.08
Friday, October 10, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, October 10
My Brother, Edmond
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
One final Rwandan reflection on the theme “Who is my neighbor?”
It was our last day in Rwanda and I was packing my bags for America. The dilemma: Too many souvenirs and not enough space. I decided that I'd leave some clothing behind. I took one of my shirts and asked Edmond, our bus driver for the past week, if he knew someone who would benefit from my shirt. He looked at me and, with tears forming in his eyes, asked, “Ben, can I wear it?” I replied affirmatively. He cried openly and said, “I have a brother who has given me the very shirt from off his back. Thank you, Ben.”
I am thankful for the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle that came my way in Rwanda-- a neighbor, a brother named Edmond. I hope you find your Edmond. Have a meaning-filled weekend.
Ben Keckler
10.10.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
One final Rwandan reflection on the theme “Who is my neighbor?”
It was our last day in Rwanda and I was packing my bags for America. The dilemma: Too many souvenirs and not enough space. I decided that I'd leave some clothing behind. I took one of my shirts and asked Edmond, our bus driver for the past week, if he knew someone who would benefit from my shirt. He looked at me and, with tears forming in his eyes, asked, “Ben, can I wear it?” I replied affirmatively. He cried openly and said, “I have a brother who has given me the very shirt from off his back. Thank you, Ben.”
I am thankful for the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle that came my way in Rwanda-- a neighbor, a brother named Edmond. I hope you find your Edmond. Have a meaning-filled weekend.
Ben Keckler
10.10.08
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, October 9
A Difficult Puzzle Piece
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title his book could be The Way of Life. Today a story about some new neighbors I found in Rwanda.
Post-genocide Rwandans appear to be working diligently at reconciling the deep rifts that came from their horrific experiences just 14 years ago. While there our delegation met with leaders from the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. We gained some insights into methods they are using to address the difficult emotional and psychological problems that perpetrators and victims of genocide encounter.
The Rwandan people seem to be discovering that, whether perpetrator or victim, they are neighbors; discovering that, if their country is going to become healthy, then it is going to be done one puzzle piece at a time; discovering true unity comes when you truly hear the painful story of the other person; discovering that, however overwhelming the challenge, there is grace within each of us.
Blessings today as you work on how this devotion fits into the puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.09.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title his book could be The Way of Life. Today a story about some new neighbors I found in Rwanda.
Post-genocide Rwandans appear to be working diligently at reconciling the deep rifts that came from their horrific experiences just 14 years ago. While there our delegation met with leaders from the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. We gained some insights into methods they are using to address the difficult emotional and psychological problems that perpetrators and victims of genocide encounter.
The Rwandan people seem to be discovering that, whether perpetrator or victim, they are neighbors; discovering that, if their country is going to become healthy, then it is going to be done one puzzle piece at a time; discovering true unity comes when you truly hear the painful story of the other person; discovering that, however overwhelming the challenge, there is grace within each of us.
Blessings today as you work on how this devotion fits into the puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.09.08
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 8
A New Piece for My Puzzle
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today, another story from my journey to Rwanda, Africa:
It had been a long time since I had a traveling experience with a roommate. A lot of feelings ran through my insides as I prepared for a ten day trip half way around the world with a person I'd never met. I was paired with a psychiatrist (guess the planning group knew me pretty well). What a phenomenal experience!
Steve is from Utah. For many years his work focused on Native American tribes in the state. He has worked hard and continues his quest to find the pieces of life's puzzle. Each night as we talked through the day's experiences, we explored difficult questions well into the early morning hours. We are still wrestling with those difficult questions weeks after the trip. I am privileged to have a new friend who enjoys each piece of puzzle integration. Have a meaningful day with YOUR puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.08.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today, another story from my journey to Rwanda, Africa:
It had been a long time since I had a traveling experience with a roommate. A lot of feelings ran through my insides as I prepared for a ten day trip half way around the world with a person I'd never met. I was paired with a psychiatrist (guess the planning group knew me pretty well). What a phenomenal experience!
Steve is from Utah. For many years his work focused on Native American tribes in the state. He has worked hard and continues his quest to find the pieces of life's puzzle. Each night as we talked through the day's experiences, we explored difficult questions well into the early morning hours. We are still wrestling with those difficult questions weeks after the trip. I am privileged to have a new friend who enjoys each piece of puzzle integration. Have a meaningful day with YOUR puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.08.08
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, October 7
Some Pieces for my Puzzle
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today a story from my wonderful journey to Rwanda, Africa, where I found some additional pieces of life's jigsaw puzzle.
On August 15, I arrived at the appointed Dulles Airport terminal for my People to People Citizen Ambassador trip. During the next two hours people from the delegation began to arrive wearing their lanyard identifications. Professors, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, teachers, social workers, counselors; 24 professionals were getting acquainted and telling their stories. This was a time for building new relationships and forging a focus group to examine Mental Health and Social Services in post-genocidal Rwanda. Clearly, I was about to experience a life shaping event with some marvelous people.
Ten days later I arrived back at Dulles Airport, returning from Rwanda. I had grown to know 23 other persons, I learned from them and with them. I feel as though my jigsaw puzzle is more complete. Enjoy your encounters today!
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.07.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today a story from my wonderful journey to Rwanda, Africa, where I found some additional pieces of life's jigsaw puzzle.
On August 15, I arrived at the appointed Dulles Airport terminal for my People to People Citizen Ambassador trip. During the next two hours people from the delegation began to arrive wearing their lanyard identifications. Professors, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, teachers, social workers, counselors; 24 professionals were getting acquainted and telling their stories. This was a time for building new relationships and forging a focus group to examine Mental Health and Social Services in post-genocidal Rwanda. Clearly, I was about to experience a life shaping event with some marvelous people.
Ten days later I arrived back at Dulles Airport, returning from Rwanda. I had grown to know 23 other persons, I learned from them and with them. I feel as though my jigsaw puzzle is more complete. Enjoy your encounters today!
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.07.08
Monday, October 6, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, October 6
Pieces of the Puzzle
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Today we will journey with Leo. The rest of the week I will tell some stories about my travels in Rwanda where I learned some lessons about life.
Leo tells the story of two people, Mack and Pricha, from his experiences in Thailand to illustrate today’s point. Shortly after arriving at his “culturally acceptable, but quite unacceptable accommodations,” he met a man named Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways and didn’t really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. He learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha who was a native Thai. During his week with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. He learned hospitality increases one’s awareness of things that are truly valuable.
Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) may only help us survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the people who grace your life.
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.06.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Today we will journey with Leo. The rest of the week I will tell some stories about my travels in Rwanda where I learned some lessons about life.
Leo tells the story of two people, Mack and Pricha, from his experiences in Thailand to illustrate today’s point. Shortly after arriving at his “culturally acceptable, but quite unacceptable accommodations,” he met a man named Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways and didn’t really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. He learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha who was a native Thai. During his week with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. He learned hospitality increases one’s awareness of things that are truly valuable.
Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) may only help us survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the people who grace your life.
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.06.08
Friday, October 3, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, October 3
Up-to-Date Facilities
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
I work in a health care facility. My employer, Hendricks Regional Health, is committed to keeping our facilities up-to-date and state-of-the-art. I am blessed to work in a wonderful environment that provides quality care.
When we think about up-to-date facilities, it is important to take some time in introspection. What learning have I done this week to make me a better “facility” in life? What reading am I doing to help me be “up-to-date” or “state of the art”? What plan am I making so the work I do tomorrow will be better than the work I do today?
Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, would call this kind of self-renewal “Sharpening the Saw”. Personal commitment to keeping our personal self up-to-date is a critical component to healthy living.
Have a good weekend.
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, guide me in the way of self-renewal. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.03.08
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
I work in a health care facility. My employer, Hendricks Regional Health, is committed to keeping our facilities up-to-date and state-of-the-art. I am blessed to work in a wonderful environment that provides quality care.
When we think about up-to-date facilities, it is important to take some time in introspection. What learning have I done this week to make me a better “facility” in life? What reading am I doing to help me be “up-to-date” or “state of the art”? What plan am I making so the work I do tomorrow will be better than the work I do today?
Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, would call this kind of self-renewal “Sharpening the Saw”. Personal commitment to keeping our personal self up-to-date is a critical component to healthy living.
Have a good weekend.
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, guide me in the way of self-renewal. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.03.08
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, October 2
Service to Others
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
As you take a few moments of devotional time today, I’d encourage you to spend time wrestling with this question: “How does my life demonstrate an attitude of service to others?”
Each of us has an opportunity to better serve others through our lives – at work, at school, with friends, with acquaintances.
Susan Hedahl, in her book Listening Ministry, says, “Good listening will allow us to hear the passion, love and complexity of ourselves and the world around us.” I would add that good listening is the greatest service we can offer. Countless times I hear people say, “Thanks for listening. I’m starting to feel better just because you listened.” Engaging in active listening with another will lead us to the best ways we can be of service to others.
Active listening is an opportunity for “service to others.”
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, show me ways of service to others through my words, my thoughts and my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.02.08
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
As you take a few moments of devotional time today, I’d encourage you to spend time wrestling with this question: “How does my life demonstrate an attitude of service to others?”
Each of us has an opportunity to better serve others through our lives – at work, at school, with friends, with acquaintances.
Susan Hedahl, in her book Listening Ministry, says, “Good listening will allow us to hear the passion, love and complexity of ourselves and the world around us.” I would add that good listening is the greatest service we can offer. Countless times I hear people say, “Thanks for listening. I’m starting to feel better just because you listened.” Engaging in active listening with another will lead us to the best ways we can be of service to others.
Active listening is an opportunity for “service to others.”
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, show me ways of service to others through my words, my thoughts and my deeds. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.02.08
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 1
Continuous Quality Improvement
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
Can something (a program, a department, an employee, an institution, a service, etc.) that is evaluated as delivering a quality “product” improve? If something is labeled as having “new, improved quality”, is it possible for continuous refinement and improvement of the “product”?
The above quote from the president of a health care organization suggests that no matter the quality of the services delivered, there is always the possibility of improvement. By learning how to examine each and every action within our specific workplace, we open the door for continuous quality improvement.
Some days it is pretty easy to come to the workplace and go through the routines of the shift. Why not add a question to the normal rhythms of the day. Add a question like “Might there be a better way of doing or saying or performing this task?” Or “Is there the possibility of making a minor (or major) change in the delivery of service, thereby creating a better finished product?”
This is the work called “continuous quality improvement.” I believe that such answers come to us when we listen for the Holy One to inspire us.
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me to be more attentive to the importance of continuous quality improvement. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.01.08
“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health
Can something (a program, a department, an employee, an institution, a service, etc.) that is evaluated as delivering a quality “product” improve? If something is labeled as having “new, improved quality”, is it possible for continuous refinement and improvement of the “product”?
The above quote from the president of a health care organization suggests that no matter the quality of the services delivered, there is always the possibility of improvement. By learning how to examine each and every action within our specific workplace, we open the door for continuous quality improvement.
Some days it is pretty easy to come to the workplace and go through the routines of the shift. Why not add a question to the normal rhythms of the day. Add a question like “Might there be a better way of doing or saying or performing this task?” Or “Is there the possibility of making a minor (or major) change in the delivery of service, thereby creating a better finished product?”
This is the work called “continuous quality improvement.” I believe that such answers come to us when we listen for the Holy One to inspire us.
“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me to be more attentive to the importance of continuous quality improvement. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.01.08
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