Bewildered Understanding
Holy God,
You hang rainbows across the darkened gray backdrop of storm filled skies,
You mix dark green leaves and white magnolia blossoms in one life-filled tree,
You take from your multi-colored palette and make crimson streaks in a golden sunset.
Pretty awesome stuff!
I find my heart torn with bitter-sweet, with sad-glad bewilderment,
I find my life is entangled with a weaving of light and dark,
I find that simplicity seems to move rapidly to complexity.
Teach me to appreciate the multi-splendored opportunities that come my way.
So as I journey into this day
Remind me that you, great Creator, are present in today’s crazy confusion.
Grant me wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour,
And teach me to discern the possibility of You in the bewilderment of my routine.
--Ben Keckler
06.30.10
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 29
Heart Song of the Soul
Holy God,
As I begin another day grant me sensitivity
In the beat of my heart,
In the pulse of my spirit,
In the words that are spoken,
In the silent words of Spirit presence.
As I begin another day grant me courage
To rise above the noise of chaos and hear your voice,
To look beyond the clutter of cosmos and see your realm,
To feed not so much on food for body, but on the fruit of your Spirit,
To feel, amid warfare and confusion, the calm of inner peace.
As I begin another day grant me wisdom
To be silent, allowing the sojourner to hear their heart song,
To be sensitive, empowering the sojourner to follow their heart song.
To be compassionate, embracing the sojourner, helping them feel acceptance.
To be alive with Your radiance which empowers Your creation minute by minute.
--Ben Keckler
06.29.10
Holy God,
As I begin another day grant me sensitivity
In the beat of my heart,
In the pulse of my spirit,
In the words that are spoken,
In the silent words of Spirit presence.
As I begin another day grant me courage
To rise above the noise of chaos and hear your voice,
To look beyond the clutter of cosmos and see your realm,
To feed not so much on food for body, but on the fruit of your Spirit,
To feel, amid warfare and confusion, the calm of inner peace.
As I begin another day grant me wisdom
To be silent, allowing the sojourner to hear their heart song,
To be sensitive, empowering the sojourner to follow their heart song.
To be compassionate, embracing the sojourner, helping them feel acceptance.
To be alive with Your radiance which empowers Your creation minute by minute.
--Ben Keckler
06.29.10
Monday, June 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 28
Heart Song for a Friend
A couple of years ago some of our hospital chaplains were invited to a luncheon at the residence of a dying man. He wanted to have us come to his home to thank us for the care he had received and that his wife had received during their hospitalizations. He was a sensitive soul who had experienced a great deal of success in life. I've been thinking a lot about the lasting grace-filled memories Mr. Covington left for those of us who continue on the journey! With gratitude for his life and witness, I offer this prayer today:
O God,
You have given me memories to hold, and I cherish that which I have known.
You have given me the memory of faces and voices; through interaction I have grown.
Instill in me an energy to look toward eternal tomorrows with sunrise eyes.
And in a day of tears, may resurrection power begin to rise.
So through remembered graces of saints who shared their hopes and dreams with me
May I hold on to yesterday’s memory,
reaching toward an anticipated tomorrow I can’t see.
Where peace is a way of life and love is the song that’s sung,
Holy One, empower me now in this week that is just begun.
--Ben Keckler
06.28.10
A couple of years ago some of our hospital chaplains were invited to a luncheon at the residence of a dying man. He wanted to have us come to his home to thank us for the care he had received and that his wife had received during their hospitalizations. He was a sensitive soul who had experienced a great deal of success in life. I've been thinking a lot about the lasting grace-filled memories Mr. Covington left for those of us who continue on the journey! With gratitude for his life and witness, I offer this prayer today:
O God,
You have given me memories to hold, and I cherish that which I have known.
You have given me the memory of faces and voices; through interaction I have grown.
Instill in me an energy to look toward eternal tomorrows with sunrise eyes.
And in a day of tears, may resurrection power begin to rise.
So through remembered graces of saints who shared their hopes and dreams with me
May I hold on to yesterday’s memory,
reaching toward an anticipated tomorrow I can’t see.
Where peace is a way of life and love is the song that’s sung,
Holy One, empower me now in this week that is just begun.
--Ben Keckler
06.28.10
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 25
A Simple Model for Living
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to declare God’s steadfast love in the morning
and God’s faithfulness by night.”
--From the Psalter (92:1)
301 years ago, John Wesley was born. Wesley is known as the English founder of Methodism, which has grown to be a most influential part of the Christian religion. Here is his simple model for great living:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
To all the people you can.
As long as ever, you can.”
Have a good weekend.
Prayer for today: God be with me in all that I do. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.25.10
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to declare God’s steadfast love in the morning
and God’s faithfulness by night.”
--From the Psalter (92:1)
301 years ago, John Wesley was born. Wesley is known as the English founder of Methodism, which has grown to be a most influential part of the Christian religion. Here is his simple model for great living:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
To all the people you can.
As long as ever, you can.”
Have a good weekend.
Prayer for today: God be with me in all that I do. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.25.10
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 24
Listening
“Speak for your servant is listening.”
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 heart-song 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 for today: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.10
“Speak for your servant is listening.”
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 heart-song 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 for today: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.10
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 23
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.”
--Words of a teacher, Jesus
The act of care giving is happening all over the world today. There are thousands and thousands of people who are performing acts of kindness in all sorts of institutions. Here at the hospital we talk a lot about performing our tasks with compassion. 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 more than a simple sentence.
Prayer for today: God be in my every word and deed. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.23.10
“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.”
--Words of a teacher, Jesus
The act of care giving is happening all over the world today. There are thousands and thousands of people who are performing acts of kindness in all sorts of institutions. Here at the hospital we talk a lot about performing our tasks with compassion. 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 more than a simple sentence.
Prayer for today: God be in my every word and deed. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.23.10
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 22
Discovery or Rediscovery?
“Unless you change and become like children,
you will never understand the kingdom of God.”
--A teacher named Jesus
It’s Tuesday and I think it would be good to spend a couple of minutes with Morrie Schwartz and Mitch Albom. Today, an excerpt from Tuesdays With Morrie. Meditate on these words that a dying Morrie Schwartz shares with us through Mitch:
“Mitch, it’s funny,” Morrie said. I’m an independent person,
so my inclination was to fight being dependent on others.
I felt a little ashamed; because our culture tells us we should be ashamed if we are dependent. Forget what culture says…
“We all yearn in some way to return to those days
when we were completely taken care of – unconditional love,
unconditional attention. Most of us didn’t get enough.”
Discovering the dependent part of our lives is important. Naming it, claiming it and allowing the “child within” to be loved and nurtured is a good thing. When we are “at home” with dependency, we can enjoy it and discover the peaceful center of life.
--Ben Keckler
06.22.10
“Unless you change and become like children,
you will never understand the kingdom of God.”
--A teacher named Jesus
It’s Tuesday and I think it would be good to spend a couple of minutes with Morrie Schwartz and Mitch Albom. Today, an excerpt from Tuesdays With Morrie. Meditate on these words that a dying Morrie Schwartz shares with us through Mitch:
“Mitch, it’s funny,” Morrie said. I’m an independent person,
so my inclination was to fight being dependent on others.
I felt a little ashamed; because our culture tells us we should be ashamed if we are dependent. Forget what culture says…
“We all yearn in some way to return to those days
when we were completely taken care of – unconditional love,
unconditional attention. Most of us didn’t get enough.”
Discovering the dependent part of our lives is important. Naming it, claiming it and allowing the “child within” to be loved and nurtured is a good thing. When we are “at home” with dependency, we can enjoy it and discover the peaceful center of life.
--Ben Keckler
06.22.10
Monday, June 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 21
Discovery or Rediscovery?
“Unless you change and become like children,
you will never understand the kingdom of God.”
--From Matthew’s gospel (18:3)
Trying to find God can be a major challenge. Trying to believe in divine presence and power can be most difficult, especially when the wounds of life are so strong and overpowering. Going back to those formative years when a complex world didn’t seem so intimidating can help. Macrina Wiederkehr (A Tree Full of Angels, page 63) shares her thoughts with us now:
“What pains me most these days is my inability to reach back into my years and touch the child I was. And yet, loving, living, stirring deep within my soul that child lives on. There are days when my adult ways turn tasteless in my mouth and the child of long ago starts pressing on my soul. On days like that I long to touch that child again and let her take me by the hand and lead me down a path that has a heart and show me all the things that I’ve stopped seeing because I’ve grown too tall.”
--Ben Keckler
06.21.10
“Unless you change and become like children,
you will never understand the kingdom of God.”
--From Matthew’s gospel (18:3)
Trying to find God can be a major challenge. Trying to believe in divine presence and power can be most difficult, especially when the wounds of life are so strong and overpowering. Going back to those formative years when a complex world didn’t seem so intimidating can help. Macrina Wiederkehr (A Tree Full of Angels, page 63) shares her thoughts with us now:
“What pains me most these days is my inability to reach back into my years and touch the child I was. And yet, loving, living, stirring deep within my soul that child lives on. There are days when my adult ways turn tasteless in my mouth and the child of long ago starts pressing on my soul. On days like that I long to touch that child again and let her take me by the hand and lead me down a path that has a heart and show me all the things that I’ve stopped seeing because I’ve grown too tall.”
--Ben Keckler
06.21.10
Friday, June 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 18
The Week Comes to an End
“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
06.18.10
“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
06.18.10
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 17
Acts of Kindness
“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. There is a book, How Can I Help? written by Jim Miller, that 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 Miller 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
06.17.10
“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. There is a book, How Can I Help? written by Jim Miller, that 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 Miller 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
06.17.10
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 16
Some Things Just Don't Add Up, Or Do They?
“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 a wonderful story about unconditional love. Working can be a job, but I would hope that it is more than that. I would like to believe that we work because we want to help others and to see that the world is a better place (in some small way) because we have done our part. Giving of ourselves, in our work and in our volunteering, can have a deep meaning in our hearts. 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 become 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
06.16.10
“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 a wonderful story about unconditional love. Working can be a job, but I would hope that it is more than that. I would like to believe that we work because we want to help others and to see that the world is a better place (in some small way) because we have done our part. Giving of ourselves, in our work and in our volunteering, can have a deep meaning in our hearts. 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 become 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
06.16.10
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 15
Making Mud Pies
“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. I've been enjoying our little backyard plot, watching tomatoes beginning to make their summertime appearance.
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.”
When your workday ends, 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. Practicing simple methods of “slowing down” with Mother Earth can be soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing. Why not let your inner child play a bit tonight – make mud pies!
--Ben Keckler
06.15.10
“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. I've been enjoying our little backyard plot, watching tomatoes beginning to make their summertime appearance.
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.”
When your workday ends, 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. Practicing simple methods of “slowing down” with Mother Earth can be soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing. Why not let your inner child play a bit tonight – make mud pies!
--Ben Keckler
06.15.10
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 14
The Feeling of Brokenness
“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 helpful spiritual teacher is Henri Nouwen; he gives these insights about how we can view the 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 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)
These insights deserve our attention, I believe. May your day be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
06.14.10
“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 helpful spiritual teacher is Henri Nouwen; he gives these insights about how we can view the 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 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)
These insights deserve our attention, I believe. May your day be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
06.14.10
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 11
Liberty and Justice for All
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.
--Our forebearers
Monday, June 14, is Flag Day. Millions of Americans acknowledge strong emotions about their flag. Many of us put out our flag in the morning and take it in at night; I have opted to light the 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 who carry those same strong emotions that we do inhabit each and every country of the world. 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 of this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.
Give thanks today 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
06.11.10
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.
--Our forebearers
Monday, June 14, is Flag Day. Millions of Americans acknowledge strong emotions about their flag. Many of us put out our flag in the morning and take it in at night; I have opted to light the 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 who carry those same strong emotions that we do inhabit each and every country of the world. 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 of this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.
Give thanks today 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
06.11.10
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 10
Those Who Care, Day 4
“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 G-d would not touch the lives of humanity.”
The statement may seem a bit bold and it may cause a bit of controversy, but it is a statement worthy of some sincere reflection. The compassion that is demonstrated by caregivers is important. Our compassionate word, thought and deed are the very things that make for better times in the lives of patients, families and guests.
Have an even better day in caregiving!
--Ben Keckler
06.10.10
“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 G-d would not touch the lives of humanity.”
The statement may seem a bit bold and it may cause a bit of controversy, but it is a statement worthy of some sincere reflection. The compassion that is demonstrated by caregivers is important. Our compassionate word, thought and deed are the very things that make for better times in the lives of patients, families and guests.
Have an even better day in caregiving!
--Ben Keckler
06.10.10
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 9
Those Who Care, Day 3
“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”.
Courage is present each time we enter the room, the space of another. Courage because we choose to be available without knowing the exact need. Courage because our presence could feel like an invasion of privacy. Courage because we may need to say the difficult word. Courage because we may need to perform a pain producing task. Courage because…………. The list of ways caregivers demonstrate courage is a long list.
The gift of perseverance – “We will until” is a possible motto for those working in caregiving institutions. I am reminded of a Biblical story about some men who wanted a friend to experience the healing touch of Jesus. 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 to all as we continue the courageous work of caregiving.
--Ben Keckler
06.09.10
“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”.
Courage is present each time we enter the room, the space of another. Courage because we choose to be available without knowing the exact need. Courage because our presence could feel like an invasion of privacy. Courage because we may need to say the difficult word. Courage because we may need to perform a pain producing task. Courage because…………. The list of ways caregivers demonstrate courage is a long list.
The gift of perseverance – “We will until” is a possible motto for those working in caregiving institutions. I am reminded of a Biblical story about some men who wanted a friend to experience the healing touch of Jesus. 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 to all as we continue the courageous work of caregiving.
--Ben Keckler
06.09.10
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 8
Those Who Care, Day 2
“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 at Jim Miller’s “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.”
Taking time to reflect on Jim’s affirmation can be helpful in a couple of ways. First, it may help us gain a renewed vision for our work. The demands of daily routine have the potential to drain both our regular and our reserve fuel tank. Second, it may help us get in touch with our inner core. We, who enter the 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
06.08.10
“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 at Jim Miller’s “An Affirmation of Those Who Care.”
Taking time to reflect on Jim’s affirmation can be helpful in a couple of ways. First, it may help us gain a renewed vision for our work. The demands of daily routine have the potential to drain both our regular and our reserve fuel tank. Second, it may help us get in touch with our inner core. We, who enter the 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
06.08.10
Monday, June 7, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, June 7
Those Who Care
“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
This week (Monday-Thursday) our devotions will focus on a piece, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care,” by Jim Miller, a personal friend who has devoted much of his ministry to writing and producing grief literature and videos. Over the course of Jim’s life, he has come in touch with thousands of caregivers. His words offer meaningful insights about the work of giving care to persons dealing with the struggles of life.
Caregiving is all about offering hope—hope springing forth from a loving heart. Once while visiting with a patient who was a full time professional caregiver in another institution, these statements were shared with me: “I wouldn’t go anyplace but here (the hospital where I work). In the entire time I’ve been here I haven’t experienced one bad shift. Hear me now, not one bad shift. I know I can’t say that about the place where I work.” Moving that story to a personal level, a good measuring stick for life could be this: “Am I offering those around me an authentic hope, 24/7/365?”
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 filled with opportunities for care giving, may we be empowered to offer authentic hope.
--Ben Keckler
06.07.10
“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
This week (Monday-Thursday) our devotions will focus on a piece, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care,” by Jim Miller, a personal friend who has devoted much of his ministry to writing and producing grief literature and videos. Over the course of Jim’s life, he has come in touch with thousands of caregivers. His words offer meaningful insights about the work of giving care to persons dealing with the struggles of life.
Caregiving is all about offering hope—hope springing forth from a loving heart. Once while visiting with a patient who was a full time professional caregiver in another institution, these statements were shared with me: “I wouldn’t go anyplace but here (the hospital where I work). In the entire time I’ve been here I haven’t experienced one bad shift. Hear me now, not one bad shift. I know I can’t say that about the place where I work.” Moving that story to a personal level, a good measuring stick for life could be this: “Am I offering those around me an authentic hope, 24/7/365?”
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 filled with opportunities for care giving, may we be empowered to offer authentic hope.
--Ben Keckler
06.07.10
Friday, June 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 4
The Weekend Is Very Near!
Some years ago Frederick Buechner decided to write a book of meditations based on his experiences. He titled the book Listening to Your Life. Prize winning poet Maya Angelou says of the book, “This book is meant to possess, and at the same time liberate, the heart. I’m happy to report it succeeds.”
For May 30, Buechner’s meditation is entitled, “In Search”. He describes the process of inner journey (the spiritual journey, the journey to awareness, etc.). These words are accurate for me and they may be helpful for you as you continue your trek of searching and discovery.
“…even when, to one degree or another, we find the things we are searching for we find also that there is still something crucial missing which we have not found, we search for that unfound thing too, even though we do not know its name or where it is to be found or even if it is to be found at all.”
Enjoy your journey — today, this weekend, and beyond. As 94-year-old Hazel, a dementia-plagued resident in a retirement community, often told me at the conclusion of EVERY visit, “Have a nice forever!”
A prayer: God, guide me in my search. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.04.10
Some years ago Frederick Buechner decided to write a book of meditations based on his experiences. He titled the book Listening to Your Life. Prize winning poet Maya Angelou says of the book, “This book is meant to possess, and at the same time liberate, the heart. I’m happy to report it succeeds.”
For May 30, Buechner’s meditation is entitled, “In Search”. He describes the process of inner journey (the spiritual journey, the journey to awareness, etc.). These words are accurate for me and they may be helpful for you as you continue your trek of searching and discovery.
“…even when, to one degree or another, we find the things we are searching for we find also that there is still something crucial missing which we have not found, we search for that unfound thing too, even though we do not know its name or where it is to be found or even if it is to be found at all.”
Enjoy your journey — today, this weekend, and beyond. As 94-year-old Hazel, a dementia-plagued resident in a retirement community, often told me at the conclusion of EVERY visit, “Have a nice forever!”
A prayer: God, guide me in my search. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.04.10
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 3
A Youthful Spirit
Some days youthfulness is difficult to feel, to recognize and to embrace. Daily we encounter people whose youthfulness has been zapped from them-- some of them seem far too young to have that happen to them.
When “the middle years” (what is that range these days?) visit us, we feel we have gained a perspective on life. We struggle with phrases like “God satisfies you with good as long as you live”. The struggle is appropriate. We sometimes have to work to access those feelings of youthfulness. We can find it difficult to fully bless the Lord as we might have earlier in our lives. Here is an example of the “middle years” struggle expressed in prayer form by Rabbi Rami Shapiro:
“Is it morning, really morning, or is it just another day?
A new beginning or just a continuing yesterday?
How I wish for morning: a light soft and bleaching a night’s pain.
A new beginning, a new day.
But I fear morning is no longer with me.
Beginnings rarely seek me out—I am too much with middles.”
Seems to be an honest lament. If you are in the “middles,” remember you are not alone. May you find enough youthfulness today to empower you.
A prayer: God, I am too much with middles. Guide me to the land where eagles soar with youthful strength. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.03.10
Some days youthfulness is difficult to feel, to recognize and to embrace. Daily we encounter people whose youthfulness has been zapped from them-- some of them seem far too young to have that happen to them.
When “the middle years” (what is that range these days?) visit us, we feel we have gained a perspective on life. We struggle with phrases like “God satisfies you with good as long as you live”. The struggle is appropriate. We sometimes have to work to access those feelings of youthfulness. We can find it difficult to fully bless the Lord as we might have earlier in our lives. Here is an example of the “middle years” struggle expressed in prayer form by Rabbi Rami Shapiro:
“Is it morning, really morning, or is it just another day?
A new beginning or just a continuing yesterday?
How I wish for morning: a light soft and bleaching a night’s pain.
A new beginning, a new day.
But I fear morning is no longer with me.
Beginnings rarely seek me out—I am too much with middles.”
Seems to be an honest lament. If you are in the “middles,” remember you are not alone. May you find enough youthfulness today to empower you.
A prayer: God, I am too much with middles. Guide me to the land where eagles soar with youthful strength. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.03.10
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 2
Creation’s Beauty
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May flew by! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now looking healthy in the ground. The perennials are, for the most part, beautiful. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy the birdseed I put in the feeders. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty in the beginning days of this month.
--Ben Keckler
06.02.10
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May flew by! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now looking healthy in the ground. The perennials are, for the most part, beautiful. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy the birdseed I put in the feeders. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty in the beginning days of this month.
--Ben Keckler
06.02.10
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 1
Tuesday Smiles with Morrie
Many of us are familiar with the story of Job. It’s a story of the wealthiest person of the East losing everything. It’s a faith story and worthy of reading.
From time to time I use the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, for these devotions. This book is the story of a college professor, Morrie Schwartz, and the last weeks of his life. Mitch Albom was one of the professor’s students who, upon hearing that his beloved teacher was dying, decided he wanted to spend time with his professor and learn some additional lessons about life. This little snippet shows that Morrie didn’t lose his spark and enthusiasm even as he journeyed toward his eternal rest.
Okay, question, I say to Morrie. His bony fingers hold his glasses across his chest, which rises and falls with each labored breath.
“What is the question?” he says.
Remember the Book of Job?
“From the Bible?”
Right, Job is a good man, but God makes him suffer. To test his faith.
“I remember.”
Takes away everything he has, his house, his money, his family…
“His health.”
Makes him sick.
“To test his faith.”
Right, I say. To test his faith. So, I’m wondering…
“What are you wondering?”
What you think about that?
Morrie coughs violently. His hands quiver as he drops them by his side.
“I think,” he says, smiling, “God overdid it.” (Pages 150-151)
May you find enough spark and enthusiasm for today. Thanks, Morrie, for the insight!
--Ben Keckler
06.01.10
Many of us are familiar with the story of Job. It’s a story of the wealthiest person of the East losing everything. It’s a faith story and worthy of reading.
From time to time I use the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, for these devotions. This book is the story of a college professor, Morrie Schwartz, and the last weeks of his life. Mitch Albom was one of the professor’s students who, upon hearing that his beloved teacher was dying, decided he wanted to spend time with his professor and learn some additional lessons about life. This little snippet shows that Morrie didn’t lose his spark and enthusiasm even as he journeyed toward his eternal rest.
Okay, question, I say to Morrie. His bony fingers hold his glasses across his chest, which rises and falls with each labored breath.
“What is the question?” he says.
Remember the Book of Job?
“From the Bible?”
Right, Job is a good man, but God makes him suffer. To test his faith.
“I remember.”
Takes away everything he has, his house, his money, his family…
“His health.”
Makes him sick.
“To test his faith.”
Right, I say. To test his faith. So, I’m wondering…
“What are you wondering?”
What you think about that?
Morrie coughs violently. His hands quiver as he drops them by his side.
“I think,” he says, smiling, “God overdid it.” (Pages 150-151)
May you find enough spark and enthusiasm for today. Thanks, Morrie, for the insight!
--Ben Keckler
06.01.10
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