The Skill of Listening
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
--from the 1st book of Samuel (3:9)
One skill that is always in need of greater development is the skill of listening. It is very easy to fill the silence of an encounter with “our agenda”. It is also very easy to hear what is said without feeling what the heartsong of the other person really is. Listening calls us to give time and space to the person who is sharing with us. Listening is allowing yourself to give full attentiveness to that which is beyond you.
Prayer: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.30.09
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Daily Devoition - Monday, June 29
More Than a Simple Sentence
“Truly I tell you, just as you cared for one of the least of these
who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
--from Matthew’s gospel (26:40)
A new work week is with us. We will be in contact with people in a variety of ways – over the phone, by letter or email, face-to-face. We will have passing words or in-depth conversations. At my place of employment, we stress the importance of compassion in our daily dealings.
About 200 years ago a philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, shared the following observation.
“The way you see people is the way you treat them
and the way you treat them is what they become.”
Initially, this may seem like a simple sentence. I encourage you to meditate on it today. I believe Goethe’s words are much more than a simple sentence.
Prayer: God be in my every word and deed. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.29.09
“Truly I tell you, just as you cared for one of the least of these
who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
--from Matthew’s gospel (26:40)
A new work week is with us. We will be in contact with people in a variety of ways – over the phone, by letter or email, face-to-face. We will have passing words or in-depth conversations. At my place of employment, we stress the importance of compassion in our daily dealings.
About 200 years ago a philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, shared the following observation.
“The way you see people is the way you treat them
and the way you treat them is what they become.”
Initially, this may seem like a simple sentence. I encourage you to meditate on it today. I believe Goethe’s words are much more than a simple sentence.
Prayer: God be in my every word and deed. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.29.09
Friday, June 26, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 26
Prayer from Mother Teresa
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink
and find great satisfaction in their work.
This too, I see, is from the hand of God
for without him who can find enjoyment.”
--A wisdom saying Ecclesiastes
Chapter 2:24, 25
One of the daily prayers that Mother Teresa used as she delivered her care to children in India seems most appropriate for whatever work we may do.
Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day
in the person of your sick, and, while nursing them,
minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of
the irritable, the exacting and the unreasonable,
may I be still long enough to recognize you in them….
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity
of my vocation and its many responsibilities.
Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to
coldness, unkindness or impatience….
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
Have a good Friday and may your weekend be filled with divine grace notes that refresh and restore your soul
--Ben Keckler
06.26.09
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink
and find great satisfaction in their work.
This too, I see, is from the hand of God
for without him who can find enjoyment.”
--A wisdom saying Ecclesiastes
Chapter 2:24, 25
One of the daily prayers that Mother Teresa used as she delivered her care to children in India seems most appropriate for whatever work we may do.
Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day
in the person of your sick, and, while nursing them,
minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of
the irritable, the exacting and the unreasonable,
may I be still long enough to recognize you in them….
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity
of my vocation and its many responsibilities.
Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to
coldness, unkindness or impatience….
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
Have a good Friday and may your weekend be filled with divine grace notes that refresh and restore your soul
--Ben Keckler
06.26.09
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 25
Works of Love and Peace
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.”
--A wisdom saying from the Proverbs
Chapter 3:3
One day Mother Teresa was writing a letter to her fellow laborers in Calcutta, the Missionaries of Charity and their Co-Workers. Her goal was to inspire the workers as they performed their acts of mercy with people in need. She quoted from one of Cardinal Newman’s prayers and added her own thoughts. Pray with me today:
“Help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go—
let me preach thee without preaching, not by words but by example—
by the catching force;
let the sympathetic influence of what I do
be evidence of the full love my heart feels to thee.” (Newman)
She then continued saying, “Our works of love are nothing but works of peace. Let us do them with greater love and efficiency—each in her or his daily work both in your home and with your neighbor. Listen to the cry: I was hungry – not only for food, but for peace that comes from a pure heart; I was thirsty – not for water, but for peace that satiates the passionate thirst of passion for war; I was naked – not for clothes, but for that beautiful dignity of people for their bodies; I was homeless – not for a shelter made of bricks, but for a heart that understands, that covers, that loves.”
A prayer: God, may I act with mercy today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.25.09
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.”
--A wisdom saying from the Proverbs
Chapter 3:3
One day Mother Teresa was writing a letter to her fellow laborers in Calcutta, the Missionaries of Charity and their Co-Workers. Her goal was to inspire the workers as they performed their acts of mercy with people in need. She quoted from one of Cardinal Newman’s prayers and added her own thoughts. Pray with me today:
“Help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go—
let me preach thee without preaching, not by words but by example—
by the catching force;
let the sympathetic influence of what I do
be evidence of the full love my heart feels to thee.” (Newman)
She then continued saying, “Our works of love are nothing but works of peace. Let us do them with greater love and efficiency—each in her or his daily work both in your home and with your neighbor. Listen to the cry: I was hungry – not only for food, but for peace that comes from a pure heart; I was thirsty – not for water, but for peace that satiates the passionate thirst of passion for war; I was naked – not for clothes, but for that beautiful dignity of people for their bodies; I was homeless – not for a shelter made of bricks, but for a heart that understands, that covers, that loves.”
A prayer: God, may I act with mercy today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.25.09
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 24
New Voices
“May God be gracious to us and bless us,
may the face of the Lord shine upon us
and all the ends of the earth will honor our God.”
--From a Psalm of God’s people,
Chapter 67, selected verses
God’s grace comes to us in a variety of ways. As new opportunities come our way, we gain new understanding about the awesome nature of God’s holy presence among us. Recently I’ve been listening to a new voice. From this new voice I am finding, enjoying, and learning more about the graciousness of God.
This voice is a new associate at the hospital. When we have a new person on staff, in our organization or in our neighborhood, it is important for us to welcome and integrate them into our community. As the new people with their hopes, dreams and goals blend with the “seasoned” group or neighborhood, we all discover God gracing us and blessing us in refreshing ways.
Have you noticed the face of the Lord shining on you recently?
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to be ever aware of new voices in our lives. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.09
“May God be gracious to us and bless us,
may the face of the Lord shine upon us
and all the ends of the earth will honor our God.”
--From a Psalm of God’s people,
Chapter 67, selected verses
God’s grace comes to us in a variety of ways. As new opportunities come our way, we gain new understanding about the awesome nature of God’s holy presence among us. Recently I’ve been listening to a new voice. From this new voice I am finding, enjoying, and learning more about the graciousness of God.
This voice is a new associate at the hospital. When we have a new person on staff, in our organization or in our neighborhood, it is important for us to welcome and integrate them into our community. As the new people with their hopes, dreams and goals blend with the “seasoned” group or neighborhood, we all discover God gracing us and blessing us in refreshing ways.
Have you noticed the face of the Lord shining on you recently?
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to be ever aware of new voices in our lives. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.09
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 23
Vertical Listening
“God said to Moses,
I AM who I AM.”
--From the life of Moses, Exodus 3:14
Yesterday we examined the theme of listening, talking about the horizontal nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do when relating to others whether they be family members, friends or persons we meet in our work. Today I want to encourage us to spend a few moments thinking about the vertical nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do as we practice our spirituality, regardless of our religious background.
When Moses heard the words, “I AM who I AM” he probably spent the rest of his life struggling with understanding the fullness of those words. Active listening to divine leading can empower us in the tasks and routines of the day. One morning not all that long ago, I wanted to grab a CD to listen to on the way to work. I grabbed one, but after taking a couple of steps was compelled to go back and pick up a different one. While listening to this a capella group my pager went off and I called the hospital. As I listened (horizontally) to the staff person, I realized that I had received a vertical prompting in my choice of CD for the morning. Coincidence? Listening to my gut? Maybe. I am comfortable if you want to view it as that and trust that you can be comfortable with my spiritual interpretation of the happenings.
To take time with the great “I AM,” to actively listen to the inner prompting and to respond without needing all the answers is what vertical listening is all about. Henri Nouwen writes these words about our horizontal and vertical listening: “As long as we live on this earth, our lives will be marked by compassion.” Enjoy listening to the great “I AM.”
--Ben Keckler
06.23.09
“God said to Moses,
I AM who I AM.”
--From the life of Moses, Exodus 3:14
Yesterday we examined the theme of listening, talking about the horizontal nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do when relating to others whether they be family members, friends or persons we meet in our work. Today I want to encourage us to spend a few moments thinking about the vertical nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do as we practice our spirituality, regardless of our religious background.
When Moses heard the words, “I AM who I AM” he probably spent the rest of his life struggling with understanding the fullness of those words. Active listening to divine leading can empower us in the tasks and routines of the day. One morning not all that long ago, I wanted to grab a CD to listen to on the way to work. I grabbed one, but after taking a couple of steps was compelled to go back and pick up a different one. While listening to this a capella group my pager went off and I called the hospital. As I listened (horizontally) to the staff person, I realized that I had received a vertical prompting in my choice of CD for the morning. Coincidence? Listening to my gut? Maybe. I am comfortable if you want to view it as that and trust that you can be comfortable with my spiritual interpretation of the happenings.
To take time with the great “I AM,” to actively listen to the inner prompting and to respond without needing all the answers is what vertical listening is all about. Henri Nouwen writes these words about our horizontal and vertical listening: “As long as we live on this earth, our lives will be marked by compassion.” Enjoy listening to the great “I AM.”
--Ben Keckler
06.23.09
Monday, June 22, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 22
Do Not Fear
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
--From the prophet Isaiah, 41:10
The word of the Lord to Isaiah, and all the people of God in general, bids us to have no fear. Fear visits us when we are caught in unexpected situations, in unfamiliar places and it can cause us to make inaccurate assessments. We can feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Fear can dominate our inner being.
Our active listening to the feelings of others is very important. Here in the hospital patients, family and friends can feel uncomfortable with their surroundings. Our listening and trying to put them at ease is part of our caregiving job. Here is an amusing story that illustrates the fears people may have and the way a caregiver lessened the fear:
A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years. She felt uneasy and a bit overwhelmed by all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. “Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing,” she said. “So would I,” said the technician. “It’s a floor-cleaning machine.”
Have a good week being aware of our own fears and the fears of those around us. Remember the words of scripture telling us that we are not alone, a higher power is always with us.
--Ben Keckler
06.22.09
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
--From the prophet Isaiah, 41:10
The word of the Lord to Isaiah, and all the people of God in general, bids us to have no fear. Fear visits us when we are caught in unexpected situations, in unfamiliar places and it can cause us to make inaccurate assessments. We can feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Fear can dominate our inner being.
Our active listening to the feelings of others is very important. Here in the hospital patients, family and friends can feel uncomfortable with their surroundings. Our listening and trying to put them at ease is part of our caregiving job. Here is an amusing story that illustrates the fears people may have and the way a caregiver lessened the fear:
A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years. She felt uneasy and a bit overwhelmed by all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. “Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing,” she said. “So would I,” said the technician. “It’s a floor-cleaning machine.”
Have a good week being aware of our own fears and the fears of those around us. Remember the words of scripture telling us that we are not alone, a higher power is always with us.
--Ben Keckler
06.22.09
Friday, June 19, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 19
Listening and Living
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of God’s name, give glorious praise to the Lord.”
--From the hymns of the Hebrew people, Psalm 66
Listening to the stories of others and reading the insights that others have gained from their lives can be very inspiring. The resilience of people is probably a reason behind the verse of Scripture for today. Here is a snippet from the life of Viktor Frankl, imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II.
One winter morning the prisoners were marching despite the horrible conditions. They were cold, weak and depressed. The man beside Frankl said, “If only our wives could see us now.” Frankl began to imagine his wife who happened to be imprisoned in another concentration camp. He pictured her smiling. He felt her encouraging him to go on. He experienced in a deeper way than ever her love for him and his for her. Later Frankl observed that he survived those horrible conditions because of his hope they’d be reunited. His wife actually died in the concentration camp and they were never united. One of his valuable insights is this statement:
“To live is to suffer. To survive is to find meaning in the suffering.”
When something is really important to you, it gives you a reason to make joyful noises to God and it gives your life meaning. As we approach the coming weekend, look for the meaning in each of your experiences. You may find yourself making a joyful noise to the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
06.19.09
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of God’s name, give glorious praise to the Lord.”
--From the hymns of the Hebrew people, Psalm 66
Listening to the stories of others and reading the insights that others have gained from their lives can be very inspiring. The resilience of people is probably a reason behind the verse of Scripture for today. Here is a snippet from the life of Viktor Frankl, imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II.
One winter morning the prisoners were marching despite the horrible conditions. They were cold, weak and depressed. The man beside Frankl said, “If only our wives could see us now.” Frankl began to imagine his wife who happened to be imprisoned in another concentration camp. He pictured her smiling. He felt her encouraging him to go on. He experienced in a deeper way than ever her love for him and his for her. Later Frankl observed that he survived those horrible conditions because of his hope they’d be reunited. His wife actually died in the concentration camp and they were never united. One of his valuable insights is this statement:
“To live is to suffer. To survive is to find meaning in the suffering.”
When something is really important to you, it gives you a reason to make joyful noises to God and it gives your life meaning. As we approach the coming weekend, look for the meaning in each of your experiences. You may find yourself making a joyful noise to the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
06.19.09
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 18
How Can I Help?
“So these three men stopped answering Job,
because he was righteous in his own eyes.
But Elihu, son of Barakel, became very angry with Job
for justifying himself rather than God.”
--From the story of Job, chapter 32
The story of Job in the sacred writings of Scripture is a great story! It is a story of a person who loses everything and a story of friends who try to offer help. We’ve picked up the story at the point where Job’s friends are really ticked off. They have been trying to offer insights to help Job understand his grief from their belief system about God. This old story could have happened yesterday. This old story could happen tomorrow.
The book, How Can I Help?, written by Jim Miller offers 12 things that we can do when someone we know suffers a loss. Think about this list when you have friends that are dealing with losses:
1. Acknowledge what has happened.
2. Listen. Listen. Listen.
3. Respond in your own authentic way; avoid using cliches.
4. Accept the other as he or she is.
5. Offer to help, and make your offers specific.
6. Allow the other her or his privacy.
7. Relate to the other as a whole person.
8. Trust the other to lead you.
9. Radiate genuine hope.
10. Carry the other in your heart and soul.
11. Journey with the other in the search for meaning.
12. Open yourself to what this experience holds just for you.
Following these guidelines is challenging, but rewarding. Jim concludes with this observation: “It’s likely you’ll become not just wiser but gentler, not just more forgiving but more loving. Ultimately, you’ll become not just a better listener but a better friend, not just a better caregiver but a better human being. And that’s not a bad trade-off.”
--Ben Keckler
06.18.09
“So these three men stopped answering Job,
because he was righteous in his own eyes.
But Elihu, son of Barakel, became very angry with Job
for justifying himself rather than God.”
--From the story of Job, chapter 32
The story of Job in the sacred writings of Scripture is a great story! It is a story of a person who loses everything and a story of friends who try to offer help. We’ve picked up the story at the point where Job’s friends are really ticked off. They have been trying to offer insights to help Job understand his grief from their belief system about God. This old story could have happened yesterday. This old story could happen tomorrow.
The book, How Can I Help?, written by Jim Miller offers 12 things that we can do when someone we know suffers a loss. Think about this list when you have friends that are dealing with losses:
1. Acknowledge what has happened.
2. Listen. Listen. Listen.
3. Respond in your own authentic way; avoid using cliches.
4. Accept the other as he or she is.
5. Offer to help, and make your offers specific.
6. Allow the other her or his privacy.
7. Relate to the other as a whole person.
8. Trust the other to lead you.
9. Radiate genuine hope.
10. Carry the other in your heart and soul.
11. Journey with the other in the search for meaning.
12. Open yourself to what this experience holds just for you.
Following these guidelines is challenging, but rewarding. Jim concludes with this observation: “It’s likely you’ll become not just wiser but gentler, not just more forgiving but more loving. Ultimately, you’ll become not just a better listener but a better friend, not just a better caregiver but a better human being. And that’s not a bad trade-off.”
--Ben Keckler
06.18.09
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 17
Giving of Oneself
“Where you go I will go,
where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people and
your God my God.”
--Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law, Ruth 1
The old, old story of Ruth and her allegiance to her mother-in-law is one of the wonderful stories about unconditional love. The work we do can be a job, but I would hope that it is more than that. I would like to believe that in life we want to make certain that people receive the best of what they need. The act of self-giving to another probably finds its deepest meaning in marriage, but it can be found in the hearts of everyone in all paths of life.
Frederick Buechner says it this way:
“By all the laws both of logic and simple arithmetic, to give yourself away in love to another (someone/something beyond self) would seem to mean that you end up with less of yourself left than you had to begin with. But the miracle is that just the reverse is true, logic and arithmetic go hang! To live not just for yourself alone but for something beyond yourself is a new way to come fully alive.”
May today be something more than work. May your day be filled with opportunities to give yourself and, in the process of giving, become more fully alive!
--Ben Keckler
06.17.09
“Where you go I will go,
where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people and
your God my God.”
--Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law, Ruth 1
The old, old story of Ruth and her allegiance to her mother-in-law is one of the wonderful stories about unconditional love. The work we do can be a job, but I would hope that it is more than that. I would like to believe that in life we want to make certain that people receive the best of what they need. The act of self-giving to another probably finds its deepest meaning in marriage, but it can be found in the hearts of everyone in all paths of life.
Frederick Buechner says it this way:
“By all the laws both of logic and simple arithmetic, to give yourself away in love to another (someone/something beyond self) would seem to mean that you end up with less of yourself left than you had to begin with. But the miracle is that just the reverse is true, logic and arithmetic go hang! To live not just for yourself alone but for something beyond yourself is a new way to come fully alive.”
May today be something more than work. May your day be filled with opportunities to give yourself and, in the process of giving, become more fully alive!
--Ben Keckler
06.17.09
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 16
Time with the Soil
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Verses from a Hebrew hymn, Psalm 24
This ancient hymn speaks of the beauty of this earth. For centuries faith stories have been linked to the soil. While agrarian society disappears around us and new houses spring up where corn stalks were knee-high, many folks continue to have a little plot for playing in the soil. Many people share stories of present or past gardening experiences with great fondness.
Spending time each day observing nature and moving the soil can remind us that we are part of a much larger universe. Chief Luther Standing Bear, a Lakota Sioux, offers this observation:
“The old people came literally to love the soil.
They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power.
It was good for the skin to touch the earth,
And the old people liked to remove their moccasins
And walk with their bare feet on the sacred earth.
The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.”
Take some time with the soil, even if it is just spreading a blanket on the ground and gazing at white clouds against the blue backdrop of the sky (which you probably won’t be able to do today in my neck of the woods since rain and storms are predicted). Practicing simple methods of “slowing down” with Mother Earth can be soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.
--Ben Keckler
06.16.09
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Verses from a Hebrew hymn, Psalm 24
This ancient hymn speaks of the beauty of this earth. For centuries faith stories have been linked to the soil. While agrarian society disappears around us and new houses spring up where corn stalks were knee-high, many folks continue to have a little plot for playing in the soil. Many people share stories of present or past gardening experiences with great fondness.
Spending time each day observing nature and moving the soil can remind us that we are part of a much larger universe. Chief Luther Standing Bear, a Lakota Sioux, offers this observation:
“The old people came literally to love the soil.
They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power.
It was good for the skin to touch the earth,
And the old people liked to remove their moccasins
And walk with their bare feet on the sacred earth.
The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.”
Take some time with the soil, even if it is just spreading a blanket on the ground and gazing at white clouds against the blue backdrop of the sky (which you probably won’t be able to do today in my neck of the woods since rain and storms are predicted). Practicing simple methods of “slowing down” with Mother Earth can be soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.
--Ben Keckler
06.16.09
Monday, June 15, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 15
Beloved Children of God
“With my voice I cry to the Lord;
I pour out my complaint before him and tell my trouble before him.
Bring me out of my prison so that I may give thanks to Your Holy name!”
--Verses from a Hebrew hymn, Psalm 142
Each of us has had or will have experiences that really crush us and tear us apart. The Psalmist talks about the feeling; we might want to call it “broken.” One of the helpful spiritual teachers of recent times, Henri Nouwen, gives these insights about how we can view our times when everything feels shattered:
“The great spiritual call to the children of God is to pull their brokenness away from the shadow of the curse and put it under the light of the blessing. This is not as easy as it sounds. Our world finds it easier to manipulate self-rejecting people than self-accepting people. But when we keep listening attentively to the voice calling us the “Beloved children of God,” it becomes possible to live our brokenness as an opportunity to purify the blessing and receive the light that rests upon us. Physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the blessing is experienced in ways radically different from physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the curse.”
(page 79, Life of the Beloved)
The way that life unfolds will continue to present us moments when we will feel broken. In those moments remember that, through it all, you are a Beloved child of God. May your day be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
06.15.09
“With my voice I cry to the Lord;
I pour out my complaint before him and tell my trouble before him.
Bring me out of my prison so that I may give thanks to Your Holy name!”
--Verses from a Hebrew hymn, Psalm 142
Each of us has had or will have experiences that really crush us and tear us apart. The Psalmist talks about the feeling; we might want to call it “broken.” One of the helpful spiritual teachers of recent times, Henri Nouwen, gives these insights about how we can view our times when everything feels shattered:
“The great spiritual call to the children of God is to pull their brokenness away from the shadow of the curse and put it under the light of the blessing. This is not as easy as it sounds. Our world finds it easier to manipulate self-rejecting people than self-accepting people. But when we keep listening attentively to the voice calling us the “Beloved children of God,” it becomes possible to live our brokenness as an opportunity to purify the blessing and receive the light that rests upon us. Physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the blessing is experienced in ways radically different from physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the curse.”
(page 79, Life of the Beloved)
The way that life unfolds will continue to present us moments when we will feel broken. In those moments remember that, through it all, you are a Beloved child of God. May your day be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
06.15.09
Friday, June 12, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 12
A Weekend Is Coming
Before we take off for a weekend away from workplace tasks, I hope that each of us can give our work all the energy that we can. I would like to introduce you to Bishop Dom Helder Camara from Brazil. Obviously Bishop Camara was a priest; beyond that he was a mystic, a poet, a philosopher. A few of his quotes are worthy for our devotional thought today and, maybe for the weekend as well.
“When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.”
“When I feed the poor, they call me a saint, but when I ask why the poor are hungry, they call me a communist.”
“When I was a youngster, I wanted to go out running among the mountain peaks and when, between two summits a gap appeared, why not leap across the chasm? Led by the angel's hand, all my life long this is what happened, this exactly.”
Journey well today and throughout the weekend, friends.
--Ben Keckler
06.12.09
Before we take off for a weekend away from workplace tasks, I hope that each of us can give our work all the energy that we can. I would like to introduce you to Bishop Dom Helder Camara from Brazil. Obviously Bishop Camara was a priest; beyond that he was a mystic, a poet, a philosopher. A few of his quotes are worthy for our devotional thought today and, maybe for the weekend as well.
“When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.”
“When I feed the poor, they call me a saint, but when I ask why the poor are hungry, they call me a communist.”
“When I was a youngster, I wanted to go out running among the mountain peaks and when, between two summits a gap appeared, why not leap across the chasm? Led by the angel's hand, all my life long this is what happened, this exactly.”
Journey well today and throughout the weekend, friends.
--Ben Keckler
06.12.09
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 11
Ever Traveled Through Kansas?
In order to get home from our visit with our daughter's family in Colorado Springs, it was necessary to travel across the state of Kansas. What I did not know is that a good friend traveled across I-70 just 48 hours before I did. I listened to him tell his perspectives about Kansas: “it is a looooooooong way across Kansas,” “it is really boring,” “everything is so desolate.”
Yet, I saw unlimited potential when I traveled across Kansas. I saw winds farms that are producing more electrical energy than we are capable of retaining, I saw future space for development of culture that might lead to a greener society, I saw possibility.
Traveling through Kansas is a good way to gain insights about your perspectives on life. I prefer to look at the unseen possibility than focusing on present reality. While I cannot and will not deny the truth in any of my friend's comments, I must say that I prefer to look at Kansas through the lens of hope and possibility. I really like this last verse of a song attributed to the Pawnee Indians of Kansas:
Mountains loom upon the path we take;
Yonder peak that rose sharp and clear:
Behold us now on its head uplifted;
Resting there at last, we sing our song.
--Ben Keckler
06.11.09
In order to get home from our visit with our daughter's family in Colorado Springs, it was necessary to travel across the state of Kansas. What I did not know is that a good friend traveled across I-70 just 48 hours before I did. I listened to him tell his perspectives about Kansas: “it is a looooooooong way across Kansas,” “it is really boring,” “everything is so desolate.”
Yet, I saw unlimited potential when I traveled across Kansas. I saw winds farms that are producing more electrical energy than we are capable of retaining, I saw future space for development of culture that might lead to a greener society, I saw possibility.
Traveling through Kansas is a good way to gain insights about your perspectives on life. I prefer to look at the unseen possibility than focusing on present reality. While I cannot and will not deny the truth in any of my friend's comments, I must say that I prefer to look at Kansas through the lens of hope and possibility. I really like this last verse of a song attributed to the Pawnee Indians of Kansas:
Mountains loom upon the path we take;
Yonder peak that rose sharp and clear:
Behold us now on its head uplifted;
Resting there at last, we sing our song.
--Ben Keckler
06.11.09
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 10
Perspective: :-) OR :-(
Recently I was reviewing some e-mail correspondence between two people who were both looking at the present economic cloud that hangs over the country these days. One person describing their situation which has seen some glimmers of hope, concluded their e-mail with :-(. The other person whose situation seems to going from "healthy" to "shaky", concluded their e-mail with :-).
I found the communiction interesting. I couldn't help wondering what goes on inside of each of those people, what lens helps the stuggling business person to have a smiling, hopeful outlook, what lense causes the business person who has some hope to not be hopeful, but sad and pessimistic?
I can't help but examine my outlook on life and would want to challenge you to examine your own outlook? What perspective do you bring to life? Are you :-) or :-( ? For me I find strength in these words found in a letter to people in Rome: "I boast in my sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us....."
Have a better day.
--Ben Keckler
06.10.09
Recently I was reviewing some e-mail correspondence between two people who were both looking at the present economic cloud that hangs over the country these days. One person describing their situation which has seen some glimmers of hope, concluded their e-mail with :-(. The other person whose situation seems to going from "healthy" to "shaky", concluded their e-mail with :-).
I found the communiction interesting. I couldn't help wondering what goes on inside of each of those people, what lens helps the stuggling business person to have a smiling, hopeful outlook, what lense causes the business person who has some hope to not be hopeful, but sad and pessimistic?
I can't help but examine my outlook on life and would want to challenge you to examine your own outlook? What perspective do you bring to life? Are you :-) or :-( ? For me I find strength in these words found in a letter to people in Rome: "I boast in my sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us....."
Have a better day.
--Ben Keckler
06.10.09
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 9
What A Vacation!
It had been more than 5 months since I'd seen my granddaughters who live in Colorado. Over Memorial Day weekend we spent time at their home on the eastern slope of Pikes Peak just a few miles from Garden of the Gods. The girls are “almost 4, Happy Pappy” and “I'm two, Gran.” Their energy abounds.
I want to honestly admit that I needed this vacation. The demands of the past few months were great and I could tell that my “gas tank” was running on fumes. I didn't sleep in one time, even though I was tired. Why? My “empty” was not related to sleep deprivation; my “empty” was related to energy depletion.
Being around the girls, experiencing their zest for life, and all the spoiling that Gran and Happy Pappy are privileged to provide “filled” my tank; I'm so grateful to work in a place that grants me time for renewal, for discovering energy in new ways.
Time to get to work! Gotta run! Until soon, friends.
--Ben Keckler
06.09.08
It had been more than 5 months since I'd seen my granddaughters who live in Colorado. Over Memorial Day weekend we spent time at their home on the eastern slope of Pikes Peak just a few miles from Garden of the Gods. The girls are “almost 4, Happy Pappy” and “I'm two, Gran.” Their energy abounds.
I want to honestly admit that I needed this vacation. The demands of the past few months were great and I could tell that my “gas tank” was running on fumes. I didn't sleep in one time, even though I was tired. Why? My “empty” was not related to sleep deprivation; my “empty” was related to energy depletion.
Being around the girls, experiencing their zest for life, and all the spoiling that Gran and Happy Pappy are privileged to provide “filled” my tank; I'm so grateful to work in a place that grants me time for renewal, for discovering energy in new ways.
Time to get to work! Gotta run! Until soon, friends.
--Ben Keckler
06.09.08
Monday, June 8, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 8
Renewing Yourself
Last week I returned from a busy, busy vacation that was filled with a lot of family events in various places around the country. I came back to work tired because we had "played hard" with grandchildren, our children, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and even one of our surviving parents. I noticed two things on the first day of returning—
● while tired, I was rested, renewed and rejuvenated for the tasks I face each day at work.
● one of the first people I met at work was a hard working individual who hadn't had a vacation for quite a while. He needed rest, he needed renewal, he needed rejuvenation.
As most of you know, my primary faith tradition is Christianity. So, as I began my new week "back in the saddle," I remembered a Jesus story. The story was this: At one point when the crowds had demanded a great deal of his energy, he withdrew to a different place where he experienced renewal.
This is a season when many of us take vacations. Go, enjoy, play hard! Renewing yourself is important.
--Ben Keckler
06.08.09
Last week I returned from a busy, busy vacation that was filled with a lot of family events in various places around the country. I came back to work tired because we had "played hard" with grandchildren, our children, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and even one of our surviving parents. I noticed two things on the first day of returning—
● while tired, I was rested, renewed and rejuvenated for the tasks I face each day at work.
● one of the first people I met at work was a hard working individual who hadn't had a vacation for quite a while. He needed rest, he needed renewal, he needed rejuvenation.
As most of you know, my primary faith tradition is Christianity. So, as I began my new week "back in the saddle," I remembered a Jesus story. The story was this: At one point when the crowds had demanded a great deal of his energy, he withdrew to a different place where he experienced renewal.
This is a season when many of us take vacations. Go, enjoy, play hard! Renewing yourself is important.
--Ben Keckler
06.08.09
Friday, June 5, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 5
Preparing for Flag Day
Something you might want to read: Romans 13: 1-7
I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One nation under God,
With liberty and justice for all.
--Revised version
Original version written in 1892
by Francis Bellamy
Flag Day is coming up soon-- June 14th to be precise. Over the years I have enjoyed a number of travels that have deepened my strong emotions about flags. Some of us put out our flag in the morning and take it in at night, others have opted to light their flag and fly it boldly day and night (even if it means a few cents more on the electric bill).
Flags are important in uniting groups of people. Citizens of every country of the world carry those same strong emotions about their flag that we do about ours. Whenever we gather for the summer or winter Olympics, we witness this truth as the national anthem of the country is played while the flag is raised and tears of joy and pride well up in the gold medalist’s eyes.
Our pledge to our flag contains a powerful phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” This is a phrase worthy of some sincere reflection. It is a phrase that sounds pretty inclusive. It is a phrase that deserves continued dialog and discussion. Clearly, there are many struggles ahead for all in this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.
Give thanks today and in the coming days for this land and for our old red, white and blue. May we each do our part to bring liberty and justice for all.
--Ben Keckler
06.05.09
Something you might want to read: Romans 13: 1-7
I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One nation under God,
With liberty and justice for all.
--Revised version
Original version written in 1892
by Francis Bellamy
Flag Day is coming up soon-- June 14th to be precise. Over the years I have enjoyed a number of travels that have deepened my strong emotions about flags. Some of us put out our flag in the morning and take it in at night, others have opted to light their flag and fly it boldly day and night (even if it means a few cents more on the electric bill).
Flags are important in uniting groups of people. Citizens of every country of the world carry those same strong emotions about their flag that we do about ours. Whenever we gather for the summer or winter Olympics, we witness this truth as the national anthem of the country is played while the flag is raised and tears of joy and pride well up in the gold medalist’s eyes.
Our pledge to our flag contains a powerful phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” This is a phrase worthy of some sincere reflection. It is a phrase that sounds pretty inclusive. It is a phrase that deserves continued dialog and discussion. Clearly, there are many struggles ahead for all in this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.
Give thanks today and in the coming days for this land and for our old red, white and blue. May we each do our part to bring liberty and justice for all.
--Ben Keckler
06.05.09
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 4
An Affirmation For Our Work
A verse you might want to remember: 1 Corinthians 13: 13
“I believe in people who care.
If these souls did not perform their roles in the way they do,
Then in a very real sense the Word would not be made flesh.
The Love would not be made visible
And the Hope would not be made genuine.
Yet because such committed caregivers are among us,
We know the world is not just a better place
But ours is a better time and we are a better people.
We know that because those who truly care show us,
Day after day after day.”
--James Miller
Today’s devotional thought focuses on the concluding words from Jim Miller’s “Affirmation of Those Who Care.” Jim is a Christian minister and so he talks about the Word being made flesh. That is comfortable language, understandable language for Christians. To broaden the statement to a wider theological perspective, his statement could be paraphrased,
“If caregivers did not perform their roles in the way they do,
then in a very real sense God would not touch the lives of humanity.”
The statement may seem a bit bold and it may cause a bit of doctrinal controversy, but it is a statement worthy of some sincere reflection. In our caregiving and in everything else we do, our compassionate words, thoughts and deeds are the very things that make for better times in the lives of others.
Blessings!
--Ben Keckler
06.04.09
A verse you might want to remember: 1 Corinthians 13: 13
“I believe in people who care.
If these souls did not perform their roles in the way they do,
Then in a very real sense the Word would not be made flesh.
The Love would not be made visible
And the Hope would not be made genuine.
Yet because such committed caregivers are among us,
We know the world is not just a better place
But ours is a better time and we are a better people.
We know that because those who truly care show us,
Day after day after day.”
--James Miller
Today’s devotional thought focuses on the concluding words from Jim Miller’s “Affirmation of Those Who Care.” Jim is a Christian minister and so he talks about the Word being made flesh. That is comfortable language, understandable language for Christians. To broaden the statement to a wider theological perspective, his statement could be paraphrased,
“If caregivers did not perform their roles in the way they do,
then in a very real sense God would not touch the lives of humanity.”
The statement may seem a bit bold and it may cause a bit of doctrinal controversy, but it is a statement worthy of some sincere reflection. In our caregiving and in everything else we do, our compassionate words, thoughts and deeds are the very things that make for better times in the lives of others.
Blessings!
--Ben Keckler
06.04.09
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 3
An Affirmation For Our Work
A lesson you might want to read: Luke 5: 17-26
“I believe in people who care.
What these empathetic people do requires real courage,
For they do not know how they will be received,
Or if they will be understood.
What they give requires great perseverance,
For healing is a time-consuming process,
And staying with others in their pain
Is an energy-draining experience.”
--James Miller
We continue to focus on Jim Miller’s, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.” Today we view an interesting passage of Sacred Scripture and, as we do, pay particular attention to the courageous men who were presenting their friend for healing.
Courage is present each time we enter the room, the space of another. Courage is present because we choose to be available without knowing the exact need. Courage is present because our presence could feel like an invasion of privacy. Courage is present because we may need to say a difficult word or perform a pain producing task. Courage because………… The list of ways caregivers demonstrate courage is a long list.
The gift of perseverance is a gift demonstrated many times around a hospital by caregivers and also by all sorts of ancillary associates. “We will until” is a possible motto for those working in caregiving institutions. The Sacred Scripture story demonstrates that. The men, in effect, are saying: “OK, if they won’t let us in the door, we will carry him onto the roof, we’ll cut a hole in the roof, we’ll tie some rope on the handles and we’ll lower him down through the opening.” They were willing to be drained of their energy because the need of their friend was great.
Blessings, friends!
--Ben Keckler
06.03.09
A lesson you might want to read: Luke 5: 17-26
“I believe in people who care.
What these empathetic people do requires real courage,
For they do not know how they will be received,
Or if they will be understood.
What they give requires great perseverance,
For healing is a time-consuming process,
And staying with others in their pain
Is an energy-draining experience.”
--James Miller
We continue to focus on Jim Miller’s, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.” Today we view an interesting passage of Sacred Scripture and, as we do, pay particular attention to the courageous men who were presenting their friend for healing.
Courage is present each time we enter the room, the space of another. Courage is present because we choose to be available without knowing the exact need. Courage is present because our presence could feel like an invasion of privacy. Courage is present because we may need to say a difficult word or perform a pain producing task. Courage because………… The list of ways caregivers demonstrate courage is a long list.
The gift of perseverance is a gift demonstrated many times around a hospital by caregivers and also by all sorts of ancillary associates. “We will until” is a possible motto for those working in caregiving institutions. The Sacred Scripture story demonstrates that. The men, in effect, are saying: “OK, if they won’t let us in the door, we will carry him onto the roof, we’ll cut a hole in the roof, we’ll tie some rope on the handles and we’ll lower him down through the opening.” They were willing to be drained of their energy because the need of their friend was great.
Blessings, friends!
--Ben Keckler
06.03.09
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 2
An Affirmation For Our Work
You might want to read: Luke 7: 36-50
“I believe in people who care.
I believe the work they do
Is both deceptively simple and unusually difficult.
Their task is to offer those who so need it something irreplaceable:
Their own humanness.
They bestow a priceless gift:
Themselves, and the best of themselves.
They approach the other holding out what they have to offer:
Their sensitivity, their belief, their dedication.
They bring into the open what they choose not to hide:
Their woundedness, their honesty, their compassion.”
--James Miller
Today we look at a little more of Jim Miller’s “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.” It is coupled with an illustrative reading from Sacred Scripture, particularly when viewing the woman in the story as the primary caregiver.
Taking time to reflect on both the story and Jim’s affirmation can be helpful in a couple of ways. First, they can help us gain a renewed vision for our caregiving work. The demands of daily routine have the potential to drain both our regular and our reserve fuel tank. Second, they can help us get in touch with our inner core. Those of us who enter into caregiving work and stay in it, do so because something deep within is pushing us to offer our humanness and our compassion to another hurting soul.
Today is another day filled with the opportunity to care. Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
06.02.09
You might want to read: Luke 7: 36-50
“I believe in people who care.
I believe the work they do
Is both deceptively simple and unusually difficult.
Their task is to offer those who so need it something irreplaceable:
Their own humanness.
They bestow a priceless gift:
Themselves, and the best of themselves.
They approach the other holding out what they have to offer:
Their sensitivity, their belief, their dedication.
They bring into the open what they choose not to hide:
Their woundedness, their honesty, their compassion.”
--James Miller
Today we look at a little more of Jim Miller’s “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.” It is coupled with an illustrative reading from Sacred Scripture, particularly when viewing the woman in the story as the primary caregiver.
Taking time to reflect on both the story and Jim’s affirmation can be helpful in a couple of ways. First, they can help us gain a renewed vision for our caregiving work. The demands of daily routine have the potential to drain both our regular and our reserve fuel tank. Second, they can help us get in touch with our inner core. Those of us who enter into caregiving work and stay in it, do so because something deep within is pushing us to offer our humanness and our compassion to another hurting soul.
Today is another day filled with the opportunity to care. Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
06.02.09
Monday, June 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 1
An Affirmation For Our Work
You might want to read: Romans 5: 1-5
“I believe in people who care.
Even more, I believe in what these generous people offer others.
They bring caregiving down to its essentials:
They offer not abstract ideas, but personal attention;
Not definitive answers, but reasonable assurance;
not empty platitudes, but authentic hope.”
--James Miller
I am back from 10 days of vacation. What a wonderful time visiting family and friends. It’s now time to get back in the groove of work. This week (Monday-Thursday) our devotions will focus on a piece, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care” by Jim Miller, a friend who has devoted much of his ministry to writing and high quality audio-visual products for caregivers. I like this affirmation.
Caregiving is all about offering hope—hope springing forth from loving hearts. Recently, while visiting with a patient these statements were shared with me: “I wouldn’t go anyplace but here. In the entire time I’ve been (in this hospital) I haven’t experienced one bad shift. Hear me now, not one bad shift.”
The patient went on to share a number of hope-filled statements, attributing the healing process primarily to personal faith and to the care received. As we begin another week of caregiving, may we be empowered as authentic caregivers.
--Ben Keckler
06.01.09
You might want to read: Romans 5: 1-5
“I believe in people who care.
Even more, I believe in what these generous people offer others.
They bring caregiving down to its essentials:
They offer not abstract ideas, but personal attention;
Not definitive answers, but reasonable assurance;
not empty platitudes, but authentic hope.”
--James Miller
I am back from 10 days of vacation. What a wonderful time visiting family and friends. It’s now time to get back in the groove of work. This week (Monday-Thursday) our devotions will focus on a piece, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care” by Jim Miller, a friend who has devoted much of his ministry to writing and high quality audio-visual products for caregivers. I like this affirmation.
Caregiving is all about offering hope—hope springing forth from loving hearts. Recently, while visiting with a patient these statements were shared with me: “I wouldn’t go anyplace but here. In the entire time I’ve been (in this hospital) I haven’t experienced one bad shift. Hear me now, not one bad shift.”
The patient went on to share a number of hope-filled statements, attributing the healing process primarily to personal faith and to the care received. As we begin another week of caregiving, may we be empowered as authentic caregivers.
--Ben Keckler
06.01.09
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