Solitude, Its Significance
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
Prayer: Guide me toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.30.09
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 29
Solitude, Its Significance
A few years ago, one of those dreaded phone calls came informing me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
My friend worked diligently on her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While I hated to leave her, I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time with God. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
Prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.29.09
A few years ago, one of those dreaded phone calls came informing me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
My friend worked diligently on her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While I hated to leave her, I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time with God. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
Prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.29.09
Monday, September 28, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 28
Solitude, It's Significance
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
Prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.09
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
Prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.09
Friday, September 25, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 25
Brokenness
Planning a vacation generally hinges on knowing your destination. The same could be said about journeying through brokenness. The destination point is common for all; it’s the point of acceptance and peace. Some call it resolution. We’ve covered a number of “overnight” stays this week. One final spot for an overnight is the “hotel of recovery and new life.”
When we take our time to really experience the points along the road to acceptance, we need to spend time celebrating the reality that we have recovered. Recovery can be recognized. Recovery is a time when you take your cherished pre-broken memories and celebrate what was, what is and what will always be! Recovery is that time when you discover an abiding invisible presence empowering you just like you “used to be” empowered. Recovery is a time for continuing the relationship in a very different and dynamic way. Life is life again!
The “hotel of recovery and new life” is our last stop this week. Hope you have a great weekend.
--Ben Keckler
09.25.09
Planning a vacation generally hinges on knowing your destination. The same could be said about journeying through brokenness. The destination point is common for all; it’s the point of acceptance and peace. Some call it resolution. We’ve covered a number of “overnight” stays this week. One final spot for an overnight is the “hotel of recovery and new life.”
When we take our time to really experience the points along the road to acceptance, we need to spend time celebrating the reality that we have recovered. Recovery can be recognized. Recovery is a time when you take your cherished pre-broken memories and celebrate what was, what is and what will always be! Recovery is that time when you discover an abiding invisible presence empowering you just like you “used to be” empowered. Recovery is a time for continuing the relationship in a very different and dynamic way. Life is life again!
The “hotel of recovery and new life” is our last stop this week. Hope you have a great weekend.
--Ben Keckler
09.25.09
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 24
Brokenness
There is a highway in the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania that runs through the town of Centralia. The town is a modern day ghost town because there are continual underground fires smoldering in the old mines. Centralia, once a place of busyness because of the mining business, is now abandoned.
Grief, loss and change are a fire within that can smolder for years. We feel abandoned, lonely and fearful. Feeling empty is normal. Experiencing physical symptoms because of distress is common. Seeking help and support from professional caregivers and people you trust is beneficial.
One ancient writer who had reasons to feel abandoned felt inner relief one day and proclaimed: “Now says the Lord…., Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43)
When you feel abandoned and lonely, do not fear. The Holy One is with you.
--Ben Keckler
09.24.09
There is a highway in the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania that runs through the town of Centralia. The town is a modern day ghost town because there are continual underground fires smoldering in the old mines. Centralia, once a place of busyness because of the mining business, is now abandoned.
Grief, loss and change are a fire within that can smolder for years. We feel abandoned, lonely and fearful. Feeling empty is normal. Experiencing physical symptoms because of distress is common. Seeking help and support from professional caregivers and people you trust is beneficial.
One ancient writer who had reasons to feel abandoned felt inner relief one day and proclaimed: “Now says the Lord…., Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43)
When you feel abandoned and lonely, do not fear. The Holy One is with you.
--Ben Keckler
09.24.09
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 23
Brokenness
NOTE: I hope you enjoy this little dialogue between Morrie Schwartz and Mitch Albom. I think it gives some interesting thoughts as we deal with the broken moments of life.
Morrie: “Have I told you about the tension of opposites?”
Mitch: “The tension of opposites?”
Morrie: “Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn't. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted. A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. And most of us live somewhere in the middle.”
Mitch: “Sounds like a wresting match,” I say.
Morrie: “A wresting match.” He laughs. “Yes, you could describe life that way.”
Mitch: “So which side wins?” I ask.
Morrie: “Which side wins?” He smiles and with crinkled eyes and crooked teeth, “Love wins. Love always wins.”
Tuesdays With Morrie, p. 40
Broken? Be open to love.
--Ben Keckler
09.23.09
NOTE: I hope you enjoy this little dialogue between Morrie Schwartz and Mitch Albom. I think it gives some interesting thoughts as we deal with the broken moments of life.
Morrie: “Have I told you about the tension of opposites?”
Mitch: “The tension of opposites?”
Morrie: “Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn't. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted. A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. And most of us live somewhere in the middle.”
Mitch: “Sounds like a wresting match,” I say.
Morrie: “A wresting match.” He laughs. “Yes, you could describe life that way.”
Mitch: “So which side wins?” I ask.
Morrie: “Which side wins?” He smiles and with crinkled eyes and crooked teeth, “Love wins. Love always wins.”
Tuesdays With Morrie, p. 40
Broken? Be open to love.
--Ben Keckler
09.23.09
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 22
Brokenness
Have you ever heard the phrase “You’ve got to get over it?” Have you ever spoken that phrase at one time or another. When something is broken we either fix it or throw it away. In doing this, we “get over it.” But when it comes to our inner brokenness, we rebel when others try to “fix it” and we are frustrated because we can’t throw “it” away.
Daily we deal with our fractured feelings and the fractured feelings of others. Resentments are great and anger continues to rear its head! When people are broken because one of mother nature's storms have brought destruction, we quickly realize it could very easily have been us! One of the real questions during times like these is “Why is this happening to me?”
We know there is no answer to “why?” AND because there is no answer, we can easily get stuck in the anger/resentment stage. When you are stuck or you know others that are stuck, remember to “be still” and respond as you can to the emotional brokenness of the moment.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.09
Have you ever heard the phrase “You’ve got to get over it?” Have you ever spoken that phrase at one time or another. When something is broken we either fix it or throw it away. In doing this, we “get over it.” But when it comes to our inner brokenness, we rebel when others try to “fix it” and we are frustrated because we can’t throw “it” away.
Daily we deal with our fractured feelings and the fractured feelings of others. Resentments are great and anger continues to rear its head! When people are broken because one of mother nature's storms have brought destruction, we quickly realize it could very easily have been us! One of the real questions during times like these is “Why is this happening to me?”
We know there is no answer to “why?” AND because there is no answer, we can easily get stuck in the anger/resentment stage. When you are stuck or you know others that are stuck, remember to “be still” and respond as you can to the emotional brokenness of the moment.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.09
Monday, September 21, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 21
Brokenness
The feeling of brokenness is a real feeling. That feeling comes closer as instantaneous communication knits the global village into a tighter unity. We live in a terrified world. We are joined with millions of people around the world who understand this feeling. When listening to the words that people use, it is clear many are still in the early, early stages of brokenness. An early stage is a stage where shock and disbelief dominate our thoughts and our feelings.
Listen to your heart and listen to the heart of others this week. The words of disbelief must be acknowledged if we are going to continue to grow and become all that we are created to be.
Prayer: “May I always listen to each heart song that comes to me.”
--Ben Keckler
09.21.09
The feeling of brokenness is a real feeling. That feeling comes closer as instantaneous communication knits the global village into a tighter unity. We live in a terrified world. We are joined with millions of people around the world who understand this feeling. When listening to the words that people use, it is clear many are still in the early, early stages of brokenness. An early stage is a stage where shock and disbelief dominate our thoughts and our feelings.
Listen to your heart and listen to the heart of others this week. The words of disbelief must be acknowledged if we are going to continue to grow and become all that we are created to be.
Prayer: “May I always listen to each heart song that comes to me.”
--Ben Keckler
09.21.09
Friday, September 18, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 18
Attentiveness
“I heard a nice little story the other day,” Morrie says. He closes his eyes for a moment and I wait.
“Okay. The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He’s enjoying the wind and the fresh air—until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. “’My God, this is terrible,’ the wave says. ‘Look what’s going to happen to me!’”
Then along comes another wave. It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him, ‘Why do you look so sad?’
The first wave says, “You don’t understand! We’re all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn’t it terrible?”
The second wave says, “No, YOU don’t understand. You’re not a wave, you’re part of the ocean.”
I smile, Mitch says. Morrie closed his eyes again and said:
“Part of the ocean, part of the ocean.”
(from Tuesdays With Morrie, pp. 179, 180)
Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of life today and the hope of a good weekend. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.18.09
“I heard a nice little story the other day,” Morrie says. He closes his eyes for a moment and I wait.
“Okay. The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He’s enjoying the wind and the fresh air—until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. “’My God, this is terrible,’ the wave says. ‘Look what’s going to happen to me!’”
Then along comes another wave. It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him, ‘Why do you look so sad?’
The first wave says, “You don’t understand! We’re all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn’t it terrible?”
The second wave says, “No, YOU don’t understand. You’re not a wave, you’re part of the ocean.”
I smile, Mitch says. Morrie closed his eyes again and said:
“Part of the ocean, part of the ocean.”
(from Tuesdays With Morrie, pp. 179, 180)
Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of life today and the hope of a good weekend. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.18.09
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 17
Attentiveness
“In life we don’t have all of the answers.
We won’t have all of the answers.
Sometimes we have to go forward without the answers.
The answers from the tragedy become clearer----down the road.
We will never understand all of life before we need to start living life.
We have to live first to learn the answers.”
(Chad, page 37)
Prayer: God, may my attentiveness grow as I live.
--Ben Keckler
09.17.09
“In life we don’t have all of the answers.
We won’t have all of the answers.
Sometimes we have to go forward without the answers.
The answers from the tragedy become clearer----down the road.
We will never understand all of life before we need to start living life.
We have to live first to learn the answers.”
(Chad, page 37)
Prayer: God, may my attentiveness grow as I live.
--Ben Keckler
09.17.09
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 16
Attentiveness
A story from the philosopher Chuang Tzu:
“The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.”
Friends, be attentive!
--Ben Keckler
09.16.09
A story from the philosopher Chuang Tzu:
“The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.”
Friends, be attentive!
--Ben Keckler
09.16.09
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 15
Attentiveness
A prayer, attributed to St. Francis, a most attentive person.
"Lord,
Make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant
That I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
Have a better day today as you listen to your heart.
--Ben Keckler
09.15.09
A prayer, attributed to St. Francis, a most attentive person.
"Lord,
Make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant
That I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
Have a better day today as you listen to your heart.
--Ben Keckler
09.15.09
Monday, September 14, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 14
Attentiveness
Expand my awareness, O God,
to others whom I will see today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to what my heart is saying and,
help me to listen to what others are saying to me.
May I hear both the words they speak
and the things they are really saying.
Sensitize me to the crying buried deep in the heart.
Remind me of your steadfast love
and help me to reflect your love to others.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.09
Expand my awareness, O God,
to others whom I will see today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to what my heart is saying and,
help me to listen to what others are saying to me.
May I hear both the words they speak
and the things they are really saying.
Sensitize me to the crying buried deep in the heart.
Remind me of your steadfast love
and help me to reflect your love to others.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.09
Friday, September 11, 2009
Daily Devotions - Friday, September 11
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
Have you been to Niagara Falls? I've been there on numerous occasions and I believe I remember something from every visit to the falls. I've got some really funny stories to write about when I can take the time to journal them. For now they will remain fixed in my mind, they will probably gain some embellishments as memory interprets their realities. Folklore is always better, don't you agree?
One memorable trip was riding out toward the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The boat had to moan and groan a great deal as we journeyed closer and closer to the powerful rushing falls of the Niagara. Majestic-- beyond measure! Powerful-- beyond description! Energizing-- beyond words! I concur with the Psalm writer. Truly awesome!
It is just about time for the weekend. I think I'll take this week's devotions about water and waterfalls and recall the experiences. Maybe I'll even work on some embellishments!
--Ben Keckler
09.11.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
Have you been to Niagara Falls? I've been there on numerous occasions and I believe I remember something from every visit to the falls. I've got some really funny stories to write about when I can take the time to journal them. For now they will remain fixed in my mind, they will probably gain some embellishments as memory interprets their realities. Folklore is always better, don't you agree?
One memorable trip was riding out toward the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The boat had to moan and groan a great deal as we journeyed closer and closer to the powerful rushing falls of the Niagara. Majestic-- beyond measure! Powerful-- beyond description! Energizing-- beyond words! I concur with the Psalm writer. Truly awesome!
It is just about time for the weekend. I think I'll take this week's devotions about water and waterfalls and recall the experiences. Maybe I'll even work on some embellishments!
--Ben Keckler
09.11.09
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 10
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
On Tuesday I told you about Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall in Alberta, Canada. As you journey north from the falls toward Jasper, Alberta there is a white water rafting business. During our holiday, my wife's brothers decided they would experience the white waters. (My wife and I opted for horseback riding!) Recently we received a CD of their trip. Water, water everywhere! Smiling faces indicated the great joy the trip created.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as they told of their excursion! Personally, I thought our ride on the mountain trail was pretty majestic! Yet, listening to their stories I could sense their water experience was more energizing than our ride on the trail horses. Their stories seemed to resonate these words: “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I will not ride a horse, nor will I board a raft on journey down a river. But, in these few moments of devotion I will journey with the pictures and the stories of a day spent rafting on the Athabasca River. And, I will recall the majesty of the Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
09.10.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
On Tuesday I told you about Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall in Alberta, Canada. As you journey north from the falls toward Jasper, Alberta there is a white water rafting business. During our holiday, my wife's brothers decided they would experience the white waters. (My wife and I opted for horseback riding!) Recently we received a CD of their trip. Water, water everywhere! Smiling faces indicated the great joy the trip created.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as they told of their excursion! Personally, I thought our ride on the mountain trail was pretty majestic! Yet, listening to their stories I could sense their water experience was more energizing than our ride on the trail horses. Their stories seemed to resonate these words: “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I will not ride a horse, nor will I board a raft on journey down a river. But, in these few moments of devotion I will journey with the pictures and the stories of a day spent rafting on the Athabasca River. And, I will recall the majesty of the Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
09.10.09
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 9
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
While we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies we had the opportunity to journey out onto the Columbia Ice Fields. Our excursion took us very, very close to a 3 way continental divide. From that point the waters flow to the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. A glacier is huge – in order to qualify as a glacier the ice mass must be at least 100 ft. in depth, cover at least 25 acres of land and annually have measurable movement. Try to imagine standing on that much frozen, yet melting (ever so slowly) water.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the water trickling toward a destination in one of the world's oceans. We had just received word of the birth of our grandson. I bent down on the ice, collected some glacial water and brought it home for his anticipated baptism. I won't forget the experience for quite some time, I am certain. “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am grateful for water and its cleansing, refreshing nature. From time to time today I will allow it to cleanse my hands before I journey to a patient's room. Soon I will enjoy its sacramental nature.
A prayer: Holy One, teach me to appreciate, with deepened gratitude, the majesty of water.
--Ben Keckler
09.09.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
While we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies we had the opportunity to journey out onto the Columbia Ice Fields. Our excursion took us very, very close to a 3 way continental divide. From that point the waters flow to the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. A glacier is huge – in order to qualify as a glacier the ice mass must be at least 100 ft. in depth, cover at least 25 acres of land and annually have measurable movement. Try to imagine standing on that much frozen, yet melting (ever so slowly) water.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the water trickling toward a destination in one of the world's oceans. We had just received word of the birth of our grandson. I bent down on the ice, collected some glacial water and brought it home for his anticipated baptism. I won't forget the experience for quite some time, I am certain. “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am grateful for water and its cleansing, refreshing nature. From time to time today I will allow it to cleanse my hands before I journey to a patient's room. Soon I will enjoy its sacramental nature.
A prayer: Holy One, teach me to appreciate, with deepened gratitude, the majesty of water.
--Ben Keckler
09.09.09
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 8
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
Six weeks ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies. We spent time in Montana’s Glacier National Park, as well. The trip included visits to Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We were also privileged to spend time on the Columbia Icefields. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time at Athabasca Falls! The passage for the falls is quite narrow, especially compared with the wide river behind it filled with the melted snows from the mountains. The scene was filled with energy as rushing water made its way through the passage to another wide river bottom below. It is as though I can still hear and feel the power of the moment all these weeks later. I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Now I am back into the daily routine of work following a memorable vacation and a relaxing weekend. I am trusting that we can have the power of a waterfall in our daily contact with others. I am trusting that this power can be filled with compassion and grace bringing them to a better place. Compassionate care gives others the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.08.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions, water and waterfalls.
Six weeks ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies. We spent time in Montana’s Glacier National Park, as well. The trip included visits to Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We were also privileged to spend time on the Columbia Icefields. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time at Athabasca Falls! The passage for the falls is quite narrow, especially compared with the wide river behind it filled with the melted snows from the mountains. The scene was filled with energy as rushing water made its way through the passage to another wide river bottom below. It is as though I can still hear and feel the power of the moment all these weeks later. I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Now I am back into the daily routine of work following a memorable vacation and a relaxing weekend. I am trusting that we can have the power of a waterfall in our daily contact with others. I am trusting that this power can be filled with compassion and grace bringing them to a better place. Compassionate care gives others the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.08.09
Monday, September 7, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 7
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions: water and waterfalls.
Six years ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We also walked up the streets within the Edinburgh Castle. We visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was, and still is, rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Having heard the rushing water making its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descending in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that we can care for others in our variety of ways that will provide a waterfall of healing graces in their lives. Compassionate care gives people the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
Prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions: water and waterfalls.
Six years ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We also walked up the streets within the Edinburgh Castle. We visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was, and still is, rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Having heard the rushing water making its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descending in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that we can care for others in our variety of ways that will provide a waterfall of healing graces in their lives. Compassionate care gives people the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
Prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.09
Friday, September 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 4
Vacation Reflections
One more day to the work week and one more animal from the book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir. I found this wonderful little book in the gift shop at Many Glacier Hotel in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from an Eagle”
“Let your spirit soar
See the big picture
Cherish freedom
Honor the earth and sky
Keep your goals in sight
Bald is beautiful (I really like that advice)
Fly high!”
Have a meaningful weekend and a safe Labor Day holiday.
--Ben Keckler
09.04.09
One more day to the work week and one more animal from the book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir. I found this wonderful little book in the gift shop at Many Glacier Hotel in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from an Eagle”
“Let your spirit soar
See the big picture
Cherish freedom
Honor the earth and sky
Keep your goals in sight
Bald is beautiful (I really like that advice)
Fly high!”
Have a meaningful weekend and a safe Labor Day holiday.
--Ben Keckler
09.04.09
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 3
Vacation Reflections
I’ve been home for almost a month from my vacation to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. The wonderful memories will stay with me forever. It was a trip of a lifetime. We were blessed to see all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. The book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir, has good advice from animals and nature. This week we have heard from the bear and the lake. Today it is time for “Advice from an Elk”.
“Don't get stuck in a rut
Cherish wide open spaces
Appreciate life's high points
Be at home in the woods
Make your voice heard
Know when to make tracks
Be magnificent!”
--Ben Keckler
09.03.09
I’ve been home for almost a month from my vacation to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. The wonderful memories will stay with me forever. It was a trip of a lifetime. We were blessed to see all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. The book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir, has good advice from animals and nature. This week we have heard from the bear and the lake. Today it is time for “Advice from an Elk”.
“Don't get stuck in a rut
Cherish wide open spaces
Appreciate life's high points
Be at home in the woods
Make your voice heard
Know when to make tracks
Be magnificent!”
--Ben Keckler
09.03.09
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 2
Vacation Reflections
Last month I had a fabulous vacation to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and we were blessed with gorgeous weather. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. On the trip I found a marvelous little book entitled More Advice from Nature. It is by Ilan Shamir. Yesterday we had “Advice from a Bear.” Today’s selection is “Advice from a Lake.”
“Be clear
Make positive ripples
Look beneath the surface
Stay calm
Shore up friendships
Take time to reflect
Be full of life!”
--Ben Keckler
09.02.09
Last month I had a fabulous vacation to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and we were blessed with gorgeous weather. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. On the trip I found a marvelous little book entitled More Advice from Nature. It is by Ilan Shamir. Yesterday we had “Advice from a Bear.” Today’s selection is “Advice from a Lake.”
“Be clear
Make positive ripples
Look beneath the surface
Stay calm
Shore up friendships
Take time to reflect
Be full of life!”
--Ben Keckler
09.02.09
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 1
Vacation Reflections
Last month I was privileged to vacation in Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. It was a trip of a lifetime and has provided me with a number of devotions related to that grand area of our continent. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder and so I want to share from a book I found at Glacier National Park in Montana. The book is More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir.
Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from a Bear”
“Live LARGE
Climb beyond your limitations
When life gets hairy, grin and BEAR it
Eat well
Live with the seasons
Take a good, long nap
Look after your honey!”
--Ben Keckler
09.01.09
Last month I was privileged to vacation in Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. It was a trip of a lifetime and has provided me with a number of devotions related to that grand area of our continent. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder and so I want to share from a book I found at Glacier National Park in Montana. The book is More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir.
Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from a Bear”
“Live LARGE
Climb beyond your limitations
When life gets hairy, grin and BEAR it
Eat well
Live with the seasons
Take a good, long nap
Look after your honey!”
--Ben Keckler
09.01.09
Daily Devotion - August 31
Beginning a New Week
“If only I would have”…; “I could have” …; “I should have”…--- are all phrases we often use as we react to and reflect upon a given situation, particularly a painful situation. The “would have, could have, should have” statements are ways we deal with guilt. Almost everyone likes to believe they are in control. Almost everyone likes to believe they are covering all the details related to life. Then, reality comes. We are reminded about our inability to control. We discover that we failed to complete some important details.
After the shock and anger start to subside, we are faced with guilt and pain. Maybe those “would have, could have, should have” statements are true; maybe they are no more than wish-filled projections that we might have made a difference. In every case, there are at least two things to remember. First, billions of others have had to deal with the same feelings we are feeling in our brokenness. Second, billions of others have discovered that the steadfast love of a sovereign God has forgiven and is encouraging all creation to forge ahead in the healing process.
God be with you. Have a good week.
Prayer: Let me feel your steadfast love, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.31.09
“If only I would have”…; “I could have” …; “I should have”…--- are all phrases we often use as we react to and reflect upon a given situation, particularly a painful situation. The “would have, could have, should have” statements are ways we deal with guilt. Almost everyone likes to believe they are in control. Almost everyone likes to believe they are covering all the details related to life. Then, reality comes. We are reminded about our inability to control. We discover that we failed to complete some important details.
After the shock and anger start to subside, we are faced with guilt and pain. Maybe those “would have, could have, should have” statements are true; maybe they are no more than wish-filled projections that we might have made a difference. In every case, there are at least two things to remember. First, billions of others have had to deal with the same feelings we are feeling in our brokenness. Second, billions of others have discovered that the steadfast love of a sovereign God has forgiven and is encouraging all creation to forge ahead in the healing process.
God be with you. Have a good week.
Prayer: Let me feel your steadfast love, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.31.09
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