Thought for the Journey
As we prepare for the weekend, I hope you have experienced some personal challenge with the devotions this week. I am hopeful that you have let the Spirit dance within you, that you have allowed your thoughts to be expanded, and that you may feel a bit better equipped for living in this global community.
• Enjoy this weekend, maybe jump in a pile of fallen leaves or pack a picnic lunch and go to a favorite park to enjoy nature’s surroundings.
• Play this weekend, maybe toss a football around and see if you can keep from getting any body parts broken.
• Let your inner child be alive!
W. H. Davies puts it well: “It seems to me that the whole secret of life, if it is to be happy, is in the spirit of love; and when an old form of love dies we must take on the new. If life is to be made interesting and worth its breath, we must look on ourselves as growing children, right up to the end of our days.”
Enjoy your weekend.
Ben Keckler
10.29.10
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 28
Thoughts for the Journey
You may want to live with this thought-provoking prayer by Ted Loder as you do your work today:
“Holy One,
Gentle me into an unclenched moment,
A deep breath,
A letting go
Of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,
Of dead certainties,
That, softened by the silence,
Surrounded by the light,
And open to the mystery,
I may be found by wholeness,
Upheld by the unfathomable,
Entranced by the simple,
And filled with the joy
That is YOU!”
May you be gently touched today, friends.
--Ben Keckler
10.28.10
You may want to live with this thought-provoking prayer by Ted Loder as you do your work today:
“Holy One,
Gentle me into an unclenched moment,
A deep breath,
A letting go
Of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,
Of dead certainties,
That, softened by the silence,
Surrounded by the light,
And open to the mystery,
I may be found by wholeness,
Upheld by the unfathomable,
Entranced by the simple,
And filled with the joy
That is YOU!”
May you be gently touched today, friends.
--Ben Keckler
10.28.10
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 27
Thoughts for the Journey
If we believe in eternal life then what does that say about a person who has died? Are they dead or are they living? Something to think about I believe!
I believe life is eternal. I like the challenge Melody Beattie presents in these thoughts:
“Speak your truth. Listen when others speak theirs, too.
When you let go of fear, you will learn to love others
and you will let them love you.
Do not be afraid of dying. And do not be afraid to live!
Ask yourself what that line means.
Open your heart to love, for that is why you’re here.
And know that you are, and always have been One
with Me and all who live.”
Have a great day.
--Ben Keckler
10.27.10
If we believe in eternal life then what does that say about a person who has died? Are they dead or are they living? Something to think about I believe!
I believe life is eternal. I like the challenge Melody Beattie presents in these thoughts:
“Speak your truth. Listen when others speak theirs, too.
When you let go of fear, you will learn to love others
and you will let them love you.
Do not be afraid of dying. And do not be afraid to live!
Ask yourself what that line means.
Open your heart to love, for that is why you’re here.
And know that you are, and always have been One
with Me and all who live.”
Have a great day.
--Ben Keckler
10.27.10
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 26
Thoughts for the Journey
... “for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (The book of Ecclesiastes)
One of my favorite quotes as the leaves continue to fall comes from Nancy Wood:
“You shall ask what good are dead leaves,
And I will tell you they nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask what reason is there for winter,
And I will tell you to bring about new leaves.
You shall ask why are the leaves so green
And I will tell you because they are rich with life.
You shall ask why must summer end
And I will tell you so that the leaves can die.”
Prayer: God, I thank you for the dying leaves (and my rake?)
--Ben Keckler
10.26.10
... “for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (The book of Ecclesiastes)
One of my favorite quotes as the leaves continue to fall comes from Nancy Wood:
“You shall ask what good are dead leaves,
And I will tell you they nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask what reason is there for winter,
And I will tell you to bring about new leaves.
You shall ask why are the leaves so green
And I will tell you because they are rich with life.
You shall ask why must summer end
And I will tell you so that the leaves can die.”
Prayer: God, I thank you for the dying leaves (and my rake?)
--Ben Keckler
10.26.10
Monday, October 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 25
Constant Call for Compassionate Care
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that’s because He wanted us to spend
twice as much time listening as talking.
Others claim it’s because He knew that listening was twice as hard.
--Unknown
During the past five plus years I've been growing in a new responsibility or opportunity. It is really something I've been doing for most of my adult life; these last few years the focus has changed. Now I am dedicated to the specific challenge of compassionately caring for GRANDchildren.
We hear the constant call for compassionate care for all the GRAND children of our global village. Sometimes we do a good job, sometimes we need to polish our skills. Responding to this task can wear on us. Compassionate care for children begins when we actively listen to their heartsongs. Our creator knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. I personally believe that God would much rather we cry with one another and say “it hurts!” than for us to proclaim we are OK when we really are hurting!
Can we commit ourselves to this really difficult task — listening to children. A child comes to us crying, “It hurts!” No external wound, but “it hurts.” They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of their hurting heart and then to provide the therapeutic touch. The cries are becoming more intense! Are you ready to listen and respond? God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.10
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that’s because He wanted us to spend
twice as much time listening as talking.
Others claim it’s because He knew that listening was twice as hard.
--Unknown
During the past five plus years I've been growing in a new responsibility or opportunity. It is really something I've been doing for most of my adult life; these last few years the focus has changed. Now I am dedicated to the specific challenge of compassionately caring for GRANDchildren.
We hear the constant call for compassionate care for all the GRAND children of our global village. Sometimes we do a good job, sometimes we need to polish our skills. Responding to this task can wear on us. Compassionate care for children begins when we actively listen to their heartsongs. Our creator knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. I personally believe that God would much rather we cry with one another and say “it hurts!” than for us to proclaim we are OK when we really are hurting!
Can we commit ourselves to this really difficult task — listening to children. A child comes to us crying, “It hurts!” No external wound, but “it hurts.” They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of their hurting heart and then to provide the therapeutic touch. The cries are becoming more intense! Are you ready to listen and respond? God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.10
Friday, October 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 22
Awaiting Illumination 5
This week we have meditated on thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson’s book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
I would like to end the week with an adaptation of a prayer for self.
“Good morning God,
“I'm about to enter a weekend where I hope I can experience
renewal and, maybe, new life!
“Take my tired, depleted self and grant me a safe space
where rebirth is a possibility.
“I feel like I've been through enough;
I am weak, I've made mistakes,
I've blocked my awareness of Your abiding presence.
I am wounded by the demands of the past days and
need a sacred space for healing,
maybe next to a warm fire that can rekindle hope.
“Bring me enough light for today so that I can get through and
arrive at home to discover your renewing power
and energizing embrace.
Looking forward to our time together this weekend, Holy One.”
--Ben Keckler
10.22.10
This week we have meditated on thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson’s book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
I would like to end the week with an adaptation of a prayer for self.
“Good morning God,
“I'm about to enter a weekend where I hope I can experience
renewal and, maybe, new life!
“Take my tired, depleted self and grant me a safe space
where rebirth is a possibility.
“I feel like I've been through enough;
I am weak, I've made mistakes,
I've blocked my awareness of Your abiding presence.
I am wounded by the demands of the past days and
need a sacred space for healing,
maybe next to a warm fire that can rekindle hope.
“Bring me enough light for today so that I can get through and
arrive at home to discover your renewing power
and energizing embrace.
Looking forward to our time together this weekend, Holy One.”
--Ben Keckler
10.22.10
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 21
Awaiting Illumination 4
Occasionally I like to share helpful thoughts other sojourners have penned. This week’s sojourner, Marianne Williamson, incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that is helpful to our daily living.
Today selection, an adaptation of a prayer for difficult, depressing feelings, is from her book, Illuminata.
“Hello God?
“I feel a mess-- too focused on pain, anxiety and,
dare I say it, depression.
“I feel a mess-- shackled by chains of fear and sometimes,
dare I say it, paranoia.
“I feel a mess-- all the stuff I've been stuffing for far too long;
stuff that, dare I say it, I truly believe you've known in great details
for a long, long time!
“Is there a bit of light for me today?
Is there a chance that a chain could be loosed or maybe unlocked?
Is there a possibility that you could receive some of my dirty laundry from the suitcase of my stuff.
“Hello God.”
--Ben Keckler
10.21.10
Occasionally I like to share helpful thoughts other sojourners have penned. This week’s sojourner, Marianne Williamson, incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that is helpful to our daily living.
Today selection, an adaptation of a prayer for difficult, depressing feelings, is from her book, Illuminata.
“Hello God?
“I feel a mess-- too focused on pain, anxiety and,
dare I say it, depression.
“I feel a mess-- shackled by chains of fear and sometimes,
dare I say it, paranoia.
“I feel a mess-- all the stuff I've been stuffing for far too long;
stuff that, dare I say it, I truly believe you've known in great details
for a long, long time!
“Is there a bit of light for me today?
Is there a chance that a chain could be loosed or maybe unlocked?
Is there a possibility that you could receive some of my dirty laundry from the suitcase of my stuff.
“Hello God.”
--Ben Keckler
10.21.10
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 20
Awaiting Illumination 3
This week I am sharing some thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today an adaptation of a prayer for new life.
“Good morning, God,
“Journey close today with me, please. I want to take a step or two toward absolute and total reliance on You.
“There will be temptations to change my desire.
Journey close today with me.
“There will be temptations causing my vision to be blurred.
Journey close today with me.
“There will be temptations challenging me to trust my limited wisdom. Journey close with me today.
“Thank you for journeying with me. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.20.10
This week I am sharing some thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today an adaptation of a prayer for new life.
“Good morning, God,
“Journey close today with me, please. I want to take a step or two toward absolute and total reliance on You.
“There will be temptations to change my desire.
Journey close today with me.
“There will be temptations causing my vision to be blurred.
Journey close today with me.
“There will be temptations challenging me to trust my limited wisdom. Journey close with me today.
“Thank you for journeying with me. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.20.10
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 19
Awaiting Illumination 2
From time to time I use this devotional time to share helpful thoughts other sojourners have penned. This week I am sharing thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today, an adaptation of a Morning Prayer.
“Good morning God,
This day is ours.
“May I stay centered on things that keep my spirit connection strong
in the midst of today's storms. Please enter where you already abide.
“May I reach to the core of myself and those I am with, looking beyond the masks we all wear of the illusions that are so much a part of life.
“May I be sensitive to the things which can contribute to a safer world where beauty and peace are sensed by others.
“Continue healing the broken pieces of self so that I may enjoy
this day that is ours.
Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.19.10
From time to time I use this devotional time to share helpful thoughts other sojourners have penned. This week I am sharing thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today, an adaptation of a Morning Prayer.
“Good morning God,
This day is ours.
“May I stay centered on things that keep my spirit connection strong
in the midst of today's storms. Please enter where you already abide.
“May I reach to the core of myself and those I am with, looking beyond the masks we all wear of the illusions that are so much a part of life.
“May I be sensitive to the things which can contribute to a safer world where beauty and peace are sensed by others.
“Continue healing the broken pieces of self so that I may enjoy
this day that is ours.
Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.19.10
Monday, October 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 18
Awaiting Illumination
From time to time I use this devotional passage to share helpful thoughts that other sojourners have penned. This week I'd like to introduce you to some thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today excerpts from a prayer for a New Day (or Week):
“Holy One,
Thank you for this new day, its beauty and its light.
Thank you for my chance to begin again.
Free me from the limitations of yesterday.
Today may I be reborn....
May I be, this day, an instrument of love and healing....
Give me deep peace that I might serve deeply. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.18.10
From time to time I use this devotional passage to share helpful thoughts that other sojourners have penned. This week I'd like to introduce you to some thoughts and prayers from Marianne Williamson's book, Illuminata. She incorporates Christian, Judaic, Buddhist and New Age thought in a way that can be helpful for our daily living.
Today excerpts from a prayer for a New Day (or Week):
“Holy One,
Thank you for this new day, its beauty and its light.
Thank you for my chance to begin again.
Free me from the limitations of yesterday.
Today may I be reborn....
May I be, this day, an instrument of love and healing....
Give me deep peace that I might serve deeply. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
10.18.10
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 15
Responding To Life
“Don’t spend your precious time asking ‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
Leo Buscaglia, The Way of the Bull, p. 125
Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. We end the week with his important question?
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. Some of those may be really tough experiences (I'd love to tell you about insights gained during a trip to Rwanda). We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did; there he found the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. At the hospital we may walk into the room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that leave a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Leo Buscaglia gives a valuable insight. How can I make the world a better place? Find your passion and live passionately!
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
10.15.10
“Don’t spend your precious time asking ‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’
It will only be time wasted.
A better question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’
To that question there is an answer.”
Leo Buscaglia, The Way of the Bull, p. 125
Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. We end the week with his important question?
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. Some of those may be really tough experiences (I'd love to tell you about insights gained during a trip to Rwanda). We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did; there he found the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. At the hospital we may walk into the room of a patient and find a devastated family. We may vacation in some part of our great land and see some deplorable sights that leave a memorable impression.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Leo Buscaglia gives a valuable insight. How can I make the world a better place? Find your passion and live passionately!
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
10.15.10
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 14
Each Moment
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
--A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6:34)
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY
will only have reality as it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be “The Way of Life”. How do you experience the journey from here.... to there?
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are different than ours. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to the Orient. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes today.
As we live our life together, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. If we can embrace the concept of “living in the moment”, we will truly be a healthy community.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.10
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
--A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6:34)
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY
will only have reality as it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be “The Way of Life”. How do you experience the journey from here.... to there?
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are different than ours. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to the Orient. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes today.
As we live our life together, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. If we can embrace the concept of “living in the moment”, we will truly be a healthy community.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.10
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 13
A Bowl of Rice
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about life’s mysteries. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A number of years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Visual images of Nicaragua's mountains, the Columbia icefields in Canada, a village in El Salvador and a boy's school outside Kigali, Rwanda are all part of my life experiences. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with Leo that the really important aspects of my travels are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with one another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today, maybe in sharing stories while sipping a cup of coffee.
--Ben Keckler
10.13.10
“We need not climb the mountain to see into the valley.
All things to be seen can be found in a simple shared bowl of rice.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 159
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about life’s mysteries. In the Orient the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A number of years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Visual images of Nicaragua's mountains, the Columbia icefields in Canada, a village in El Salvador and a boy's school outside Kigali, Rwanda are all part of my life experiences. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with Leo that the really important aspects of my travels are the times spent with fellow travelers enjoying a cup of coffee or a nice dinner, listening to the stories about their journey through the mountains and valleys of life. Fellowship with one another allows us to travel through life feeling the strength of companionship.
At our home we have a little saying we practice in all our relationships. It goes like this: “The purpose in life is not to see through each other but to see each other through.” Enjoy sharing life with others today, maybe in sharing stories while sipping a cup of coffee.
--Ben Keckler
10.13.10
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 12
Taking Courage, Moving Forward
Rabindranath Tagore had the gift of precision with language and thought. One of his compact prayers is filled with great power and I share it with you today:
”Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.”
--Ben Keckler
10.12.10
Rabindranath Tagore had the gift of precision with language and thought. One of his compact prayers is filled with great power and I share it with you today:
”Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.”
--Ben Keckler
10.12.10
Monday, October 11, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 11
Signs of Seasonal Change
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me.”
--A simple prayer song
The leaves with color are falling and soon before us will be barren branches that remind us of change. I write this devotional on a day when I am giving thanks for an elderly friend who died just last night. The journey of these past six months has not been easy; accepting diminishing abilities is really tough. On days like this I like to spend time reading prayers and thoughts written by other sojourners who have safely completed their earth bound tasks. Frenchman, Teilhard de Chardin, offers this insightful prayer:
“When the signs of age begin to mark my body
(and still more when they touch my mind);
when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without
or is born within me;
when the painful moment comes in which I suddenly waken
to the fact that I am ill or growing old;
and above all at the last moments
when I feel I am losing hold of myself
and am absolutely passive in the hands
of the great unknown forces that have formed me;
in all those dark moments, O God,
grant that I may understand that it is you
(provided only my faith is strong enough)
who is painfully parting the fibers of my being
in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance
and bear me away within yourself.”
A prayer: Embrace my soul in the season of change, O Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
10.11.10
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me.”
--A simple prayer song
The leaves with color are falling and soon before us will be barren branches that remind us of change. I write this devotional on a day when I am giving thanks for an elderly friend who died just last night. The journey of these past six months has not been easy; accepting diminishing abilities is really tough. On days like this I like to spend time reading prayers and thoughts written by other sojourners who have safely completed their earth bound tasks. Frenchman, Teilhard de Chardin, offers this insightful prayer:
“When the signs of age begin to mark my body
(and still more when they touch my mind);
when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without
or is born within me;
when the painful moment comes in which I suddenly waken
to the fact that I am ill or growing old;
and above all at the last moments
when I feel I am losing hold of myself
and am absolutely passive in the hands
of the great unknown forces that have formed me;
in all those dark moments, O God,
grant that I may understand that it is you
(provided only my faith is strong enough)
who is painfully parting the fibers of my being
in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance
and bear me away within yourself.”
A prayer: Embrace my soul in the season of change, O Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
10.11.10
Friday, October 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 1
Some Thoughts for the Weekend
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent time listening to Henri Nouwen and sitting at dinner with him on three occasions, he feels like a friend, but a better term is acquaintance. Henri was walking to work one day and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death, but he did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:
“The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being ‘better again’ was indeed the best thing for me.”
Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help our understanding about when tough times confront us or those we love. Have a good day, a blessed weekend and enjoy every minute of life.
A prayer: Holy God, help and guide me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.10
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent time listening to Henri Nouwen and sitting at dinner with him on three occasions, he feels like a friend, but a better term is acquaintance. Henri was walking to work one day and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death, but he did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:
“The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being ‘better again’ was indeed the best thing for me.”
Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help our understanding about when tough times confront us or those we love. Have a good day, a blessed weekend and enjoy every minute of life.
A prayer: Holy God, help and guide me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.10
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