Restoring the Soul
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23:2, 3
Another week of work and today is a day for many of us to anticipate the renewal of the weekend. The week has been demanding for each of us—every week is. Soon, very soon, we can move from the labors of the week to the fulfillment that comes in resting, relaxing, playing, partying and doing tasks around the house. The “honey-do” list may even be longer than we want it to be!!
Renewal is critical. We have to rest in order to be healthy. We need to have some time to “let loose” of the stuff that has piled up within. Max Lucado writes, “The bow cannot always be bent without fear of breaking. For the field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. SLOW DOWN and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all, to your soul. God will lead you to green pastures” (even if it is a lawn to be mowed!).
Slowing down… important stuff. May your weekend give you enough time to mow your green pasture and then sit in a lawn chair and sip on a beverage and enjoy the beauty of your world.
A prayer: God, I’m looking forward to a weekend that allows you to restore my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.29.11
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 28
God in Me
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for God will speak peace to his people…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 85:8
Some years ago the Reverend Jim Cotter wrote a brief prayer entitled, “God be in my head.” Over the years the prayer has been expanded. I trust you will find meaning in these expressions:
“God be in my head and in my understanding
God be in my eyes and in my looking
God be in my mouth and in my speaking
God be in my tongue and in my tasting
God be in my lips and in my greeting
“God be in my arms and in my reaching
God be in my hands and in my working
God be in my legs and in my walking
God be in my joints and in my relating
“God be in my guts and in my feeling
God be in my bowels and in my forgiving
God be in my lungs and in my breathing
God be in my heart and in my loving
“God be in my blood and in my living
God be in my bones and in my dying
God be at my end and at my reviving. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
07.28.11
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for God will speak peace to his people…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 85:8
Some years ago the Reverend Jim Cotter wrote a brief prayer entitled, “God be in my head.” Over the years the prayer has been expanded. I trust you will find meaning in these expressions:
“God be in my head and in my understanding
God be in my eyes and in my looking
God be in my mouth and in my speaking
God be in my tongue and in my tasting
God be in my lips and in my greeting
“God be in my arms and in my reaching
God be in my hands and in my working
God be in my legs and in my walking
God be in my joints and in my relating
“God be in my guts and in my feeling
God be in my bowels and in my forgiving
God be in my lungs and in my breathing
God be in my heart and in my loving
“God be in my blood and in my living
God be in my bones and in my dying
God be at my end and at my reviving. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
07.28.11
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 27
Enough for Today
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23:6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us (like me) are looking forward to some vacation days; it is easy to allow thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship or some special time in the mountains with grandchildren. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. What is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.27.11
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23:6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us (like me) are looking forward to some vacation days; it is easy to allow thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship or some special time in the mountains with grandchildren. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. What is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.27.11
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 26
What's in a Number?
A few years ago in July there was a particular day that was the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year in this millennium. More wedding celebrations occurred on that day than any day in recorded history. Some people said that they decided to take a gamble that this “three of a kind” Saturday would deal them a winning hand. Others said they decided to be married on that day because the number 7 is a spiritual number, one of the numbers that keeps recurring in Biblical stories. Is there anything special in a number?
Personally, I officiated at two weddings that day. Each was very special and each continues to be special! One was a small backyard ceremony, simple and beautiful. The other was a large outdoor wedding at sunset, it was a big celebration. One had small numbers, the other had big numbers. Is there anything special in a number?
Today some of us will do specialized caregiving for patients who occupy a room that has a number. Today some of us will work with numbers on the accounting side of this major business operation. Today each of us will work with numbers in some way, I believe. For me the special thing about numbers is that they help guide our decision making process.
The important number for me is the number 1. One God – beyond religion. One way of treating people – better than in the past. One way of dealing with life – with integrity in word, in thought and in deed. One way of living – authentically.
Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
07.26.11
A few years ago in July there was a particular day that was the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year in this millennium. More wedding celebrations occurred on that day than any day in recorded history. Some people said that they decided to take a gamble that this “three of a kind” Saturday would deal them a winning hand. Others said they decided to be married on that day because the number 7 is a spiritual number, one of the numbers that keeps recurring in Biblical stories. Is there anything special in a number?
Personally, I officiated at two weddings that day. Each was very special and each continues to be special! One was a small backyard ceremony, simple and beautiful. The other was a large outdoor wedding at sunset, it was a big celebration. One had small numbers, the other had big numbers. Is there anything special in a number?
Today some of us will do specialized caregiving for patients who occupy a room that has a number. Today some of us will work with numbers on the accounting side of this major business operation. Today each of us will work with numbers in some way, I believe. For me the special thing about numbers is that they help guide our decision making process.
The important number for me is the number 1. One God – beyond religion. One way of treating people – better than in the past. One way of dealing with life – with integrity in word, in thought and in deed. One way of living – authentically.
Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
07.26.11
Monday, July 25, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 25
A Family Reunion of Sorts
My wife and I look forward to hosting a family reunion for her extended family every five years. It is one time when the descendants of generations past can gather and celebrate their unity and their diversity. I anxiously anticipate that family reunion, even though it won’t happen until next summer. We look forward to spending time with all the family members who hope to participate in the weekend.
It is good to gather and celebrate the gift of family. I believe it is important to blend the generations of family in times of reunion. It lets the youth know about their roots. It lets the seniors see that the rhythm of life is continuing – because of their hard labors.
Today I am celebrating another type of family reunion, the “family” reunion of our hospital’s caregiving family. It is an important blending of many disciplines, each understanding the gifts they possess and each willing to labor in a unified way to help patients and families experience life in a better way.
Many of us had the weekend off; all of us are back to the work of giving care. I like the family reunion every five years. I really like being able to take time with the family at Hendricks Regional Health, bringing a special level of care that we call, “Treat People Better!”
May Holy Presence be yours this week and may you be surrounded with the energy that helps you be compassionate in your word, thought and deed. May your week be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
07.25.11
My wife and I look forward to hosting a family reunion for her extended family every five years. It is one time when the descendants of generations past can gather and celebrate their unity and their diversity. I anxiously anticipate that family reunion, even though it won’t happen until next summer. We look forward to spending time with all the family members who hope to participate in the weekend.
It is good to gather and celebrate the gift of family. I believe it is important to blend the generations of family in times of reunion. It lets the youth know about their roots. It lets the seniors see that the rhythm of life is continuing – because of their hard labors.
Today I am celebrating another type of family reunion, the “family” reunion of our hospital’s caregiving family. It is an important blending of many disciplines, each understanding the gifts they possess and each willing to labor in a unified way to help patients and families experience life in a better way.
Many of us had the weekend off; all of us are back to the work of giving care. I like the family reunion every five years. I really like being able to take time with the family at Hendricks Regional Health, bringing a special level of care that we call, “Treat People Better!”
May Holy Presence be yours this week and may you be surrounded with the energy that helps you be compassionate in your word, thought and deed. May your week be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
07.25.11
Friday, July 22, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 22
Daily Devotion
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
Wow! This is it for my work week?
Thank you for putting up with all my stuff, God.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons I needed to learn.
I’ve been caught by many surprises this week:
I’ve laughed in moments of happiness and I’ve cried
in times of sadness!
I’ve held my breath in tense times and I’ve lost my breath
in sheer delight.
God, I do believe, help my unbelief.
Yes, I do believe in the rising and setting sun
Yes, I do believe in the order of creation
And I do believe in life, the life you’ve given me.
Thanks for a good week.
Is it OK to hope for a glorious weekend?
--Ben Keckler
07.22.11
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
Wow! This is it for my work week?
Thank you for putting up with all my stuff, God.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons I needed to learn.
I’ve been caught by many surprises this week:
I’ve laughed in moments of happiness and I’ve cried
in times of sadness!
I’ve held my breath in tense times and I’ve lost my breath
in sheer delight.
God, I do believe, help my unbelief.
Yes, I do believe in the rising and setting sun
Yes, I do believe in the order of creation
And I do believe in life, the life you’ve given me.
Thanks for a good week.
Is it OK to hope for a glorious weekend?
--Ben Keckler
07.22.11
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 21
Daily Devotion
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
The weekend is coming, God.
I am feeling a bit bound-in, uptight and generally tense.
I can tell that fears are holding me back from being all that I can be.
Loosen me up enough that I can relax in your embrace.
Smooth those rough edges where anger and bitterness are cutting.
Free me up to be more open in giving and receiving
all that is out there –
All that is out there, especially designed for me by You.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.11
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
The weekend is coming, God.
I am feeling a bit bound-in, uptight and generally tense.
I can tell that fears are holding me back from being all that I can be.
Loosen me up enough that I can relax in your embrace.
Smooth those rough edges where anger and bitterness are cutting.
Free me up to be more open in giving and receiving
all that is out there –
All that is out there, especially designed for me by You.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.11
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 20
Daily Devotion
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer”
Here I am at the middle of the week, Lord.
Monday I was struggling big time.
Tuesday I was singing a song of happiness.
When will this up and down roller coaster ever level out?
What?
No………….
I’m not ready for that yet, Lord! ……
I don’t need it to be THAT level!
So help me to find enough calm on this up and down roller coaster.
I’d really like to experience a few more super dooper loopers!
Grant me the courage to accept the things that come my way today! Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.20.11
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer”
Here I am at the middle of the week, Lord.
Monday I was struggling big time.
Tuesday I was singing a song of happiness.
When will this up and down roller coaster ever level out?
What?
No………….
I’m not ready for that yet, Lord! ……
I don’t need it to be THAT level!
So help me to find enough calm on this up and down roller coaster.
I’d really like to experience a few more super dooper loopers!
Grant me the courage to accept the things that come my way today! Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.20.11
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 19
Daily Devotion
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
My Monday started out on a rather depressing note, O God.
Sorry about that!
Today, I seem to feel that fresh and beautiful things
are surging back!
Thank you.
I want to sing a song that is upbeat today!
I want to praise you for your steadiness
when I’ve not been so grateful.
I want today’s melodies to have a lilt to them.
I want to have feet that are dancing to the drumbeat of your love.
So, I give you my singing heart and look forward to your song.
Set my voice free to sing the beauty of your music living within me.
--Ben Keckler
07.19.11
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer.”
My Monday started out on a rather depressing note, O God.
Sorry about that!
Today, I seem to feel that fresh and beautiful things
are surging back!
Thank you.
I want to sing a song that is upbeat today!
I want to praise you for your steadiness
when I’ve not been so grateful.
I want today’s melodies to have a lilt to them.
I want to have feet that are dancing to the drumbeat of your love.
So, I give you my singing heart and look forward to your song.
Set my voice free to sing the beauty of your music living within me.
--Ben Keckler
07.19.11
Monday, July 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 18
Daily Devotion
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer”
Holy God,
I seem to be lost in a clouded fog of aimlessness.
I am having trouble feeling life.
I am searching for beauty.
I’m not too certain about faith and hope and love.
Search for me before I drift too far down the path
of loneliness and isolation.
Will you really stand by me in the darkness of this pit?
Will you support me as I travel this road filled with potholes?
Restore me with some remembrances of my better moments in life.
Instill me with a renewed measure of trust in you.
Stay with me, I pray. Amen.
Note: Even if you are not where this struggling journeyer is;
please remember that many are.
--Ben Keckler
07.18.11
This week: “Prayers of a Struggling Journeyer”
Holy God,
I seem to be lost in a clouded fog of aimlessness.
I am having trouble feeling life.
I am searching for beauty.
I’m not too certain about faith and hope and love.
Search for me before I drift too far down the path
of loneliness and isolation.
Will you really stand by me in the darkness of this pit?
Will you support me as I travel this road filled with potholes?
Restore me with some remembrances of my better moments in life.
Instill me with a renewed measure of trust in you.
Stay with me, I pray. Amen.
Note: Even if you are not where this struggling journeyer is;
please remember that many are.
--Ben Keckler
07.18.11
Friday, July 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 15
Forget the Past?
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. Leaving the past in the past is a universal teaching that is stated in various ways in every major religion. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “if only” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.15.11
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. Leaving the past in the past is a universal teaching that is stated in various ways in every major religion. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “if only” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.15.11
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 14
Living in the Present Moment
A familiar title, some new thoughts? One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “this day” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/ I want desires.
“This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice that is saying to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
As we choose to listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.11
A familiar title, some new thoughts? One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “this day” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/ I want desires.
“This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice that is saying to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
As we choose to listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.11
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 13
A Companion in a Dark Valley
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23:4
Over a decade ago I spent some time in a dark valley. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. Warring political forces some years before the great hurricane hit had occupied the mountains surrounding the valley. It was a dark valley. The nearest dusk to dawn light was 15 miles away. The town that became our home only had 4 houses with electricity and each of those houses had one 60-watt bulb. Believe me, it was a dark, dark valley. Yet, none of the mission team ever felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans we could feel God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.
Three years ago I spent 10 days in Rwanda with 2 dozen mental health ambassadors from the US and Canada. Our learning assignment was to look at the mental health conditions of that post-genocide culture. It was one of the darkest times in my life. Yet, none of us feared for our lives as we listened to the horrific stories.
Here at the hospital we encounter folks in their own form of a dark valley. For the sick, we, the workers, are God’s rays of healing. For the grieving, we point them toward the glimmering stars of reunion. For the dying, we spend time encouraging them to feel the flame of the eternal within. For those who are confused, we use the light of Sacred Writings. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day bring light to those in darkness.
A prayer: God of mountain and God of valley, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.13.11
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23:4
Over a decade ago I spent some time in a dark valley. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. Warring political forces some years before the great hurricane hit had occupied the mountains surrounding the valley. It was a dark valley. The nearest dusk to dawn light was 15 miles away. The town that became our home only had 4 houses with electricity and each of those houses had one 60-watt bulb. Believe me, it was a dark, dark valley. Yet, none of the mission team ever felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans we could feel God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.
Three years ago I spent 10 days in Rwanda with 2 dozen mental health ambassadors from the US and Canada. Our learning assignment was to look at the mental health conditions of that post-genocide culture. It was one of the darkest times in my life. Yet, none of us feared for our lives as we listened to the horrific stories.
Here at the hospital we encounter folks in their own form of a dark valley. For the sick, we, the workers, are God’s rays of healing. For the grieving, we point them toward the glimmering stars of reunion. For the dying, we spend time encouraging them to feel the flame of the eternal within. For those who are confused, we use the light of Sacred Writings. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day bring light to those in darkness.
A prayer: God of mountain and God of valley, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.13.11
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 12
How Can I Be Certain?
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23:6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.12.11
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23:6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.12.11
Monday, July 11, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 11
Learning from Mother Earth
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--An ancient song, Psalm 24:1
Sometimes we struggle with drought and pray for rain. A good rainfall would be welcome right now. Today we turn to a prayer of the Ute, a Native American tribe who learned so much from Mother Earth.
“Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain.”
A prayer: Creator God, guide my learning from your good earth. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.11.11
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--An ancient song, Psalm 24:1
Sometimes we struggle with drought and pray for rain. A good rainfall would be welcome right now. Today we turn to a prayer of the Ute, a Native American tribe who learned so much from Mother Earth.
“Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain.”
A prayer: Creator God, guide my learning from your good earth. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.11.11
Friday, July 8, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 8
Finding the Right Road
"Never look down to test the ground
Before taking your next step:
Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon
Will find his right road."
Markings
Dag Hammarskjold
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dag Hammarskjold was a person of incredible insight. His spiritual diary, Markings, is filled with some pretty remarkable statements, statements that demand some attention. Today’s statement is a reminder to us of a vision we need to claim.
This devotional week focused on patriotism. These words seem helpful. During this decade many of us (probably all of us) have spent quite a bit of time looking down and testing the ground. One way of describing our post 9/11 lifestyles is that we are consumed with looking for where the land mines might be. The future still seems quite shaky when we listen to all the analysts (looking down). I contend that when each of us fix our eyes on dreaming about and creating our best future, we will start looking out at the horizon.
Hammarskjold reminds us that “getting on the right road” requires vision, vision into the distant tomorrows. What are the dreams you are dreaming? What work are you doing now because your eye is fixed on a far-horizon dream?
It seems there is a distant horizon out there where peace is a reality. It seems there is a distant horizon where creation is singing the same song. It seems there is a world where there can be sharing by all and scarcity for none. That horizon can best be defined by folks who have lived in solidarity with marginalized persons of a number of cultures.
Working toward sustaining a global village where there is such hope may be a far horizon, but it is the deepest patriotic thing that we can do. Will you join me in this venture?
--Ben Keckler
07.08.11
"Never look down to test the ground
Before taking your next step:
Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon
Will find his right road."
Markings
Dag Hammarskjold
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dag Hammarskjold was a person of incredible insight. His spiritual diary, Markings, is filled with some pretty remarkable statements, statements that demand some attention. Today’s statement is a reminder to us of a vision we need to claim.
This devotional week focused on patriotism. These words seem helpful. During this decade many of us (probably all of us) have spent quite a bit of time looking down and testing the ground. One way of describing our post 9/11 lifestyles is that we are consumed with looking for where the land mines might be. The future still seems quite shaky when we listen to all the analysts (looking down). I contend that when each of us fix our eyes on dreaming about and creating our best future, we will start looking out at the horizon.
Hammarskjold reminds us that “getting on the right road” requires vision, vision into the distant tomorrows. What are the dreams you are dreaming? What work are you doing now because your eye is fixed on a far-horizon dream?
It seems there is a distant horizon out there where peace is a reality. It seems there is a distant horizon where creation is singing the same song. It seems there is a world where there can be sharing by all and scarcity for none. That horizon can best be defined by folks who have lived in solidarity with marginalized persons of a number of cultures.
Working toward sustaining a global village where there is such hope may be a far horizon, but it is the deepest patriotic thing that we can do. Will you join me in this venture?
--Ben Keckler
07.08.11
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 7
Our Land
“This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.”
From the time the Declaration of Independence set in motion the United States of America to the present day when we celebrate that declaration, the expansive boundaries of our land have invited people of the world to come and participate in this movement of freedom. Our history contains dark moments and moments when freedom’s torch burned with brilliance.
In our work and our leisure on this Thursday after another July 4 holiday, take some time to think about the multitude of blessings that you experience in this land. Today is also a day to spend time asking yourself questions about how you can make this land of opportunity a better “melting pot” for all people. And may today also be a day to give thanks for founding fathers, for dedicated women and men, for leaders who carry forth the drumbeat of freedom.
This is a day that God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
--Ben Keckler
07.07.11
“This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.”
From the time the Declaration of Independence set in motion the United States of America to the present day when we celebrate that declaration, the expansive boundaries of our land have invited people of the world to come and participate in this movement of freedom. Our history contains dark moments and moments when freedom’s torch burned with brilliance.
In our work and our leisure on this Thursday after another July 4 holiday, take some time to think about the multitude of blessings that you experience in this land. Today is also a day to spend time asking yourself questions about how you can make this land of opportunity a better “melting pot” for all people. And may today also be a day to give thanks for founding fathers, for dedicated women and men, for leaders who carry forth the drumbeat of freedom.
This is a day that God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
--Ben Keckler
07.07.11
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 6
America, the Beautiful
Can’t help but think of Pikes Peak today as some of my family prepares to leave the foothills of this magnificent mountain and head back to their Midwestern homes. Have you ever been to Pikes Peak? On a clear, clear day the Peak is visible on the western horizon for almost two hours before you get there. In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was so inspired by the view from the peak that she wrote some beautiful lyrics and then kept revising them until 1911.
“O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
“O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!
“O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
AMERICA! AMERICA! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness and every gain divine!
“O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
A prayer for today: God whose blessing we experience in more ways than we can imagine, continue to watch over us and shed your grace upon our land. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.06.11
Can’t help but think of Pikes Peak today as some of my family prepares to leave the foothills of this magnificent mountain and head back to their Midwestern homes. Have you ever been to Pikes Peak? On a clear, clear day the Peak is visible on the western horizon for almost two hours before you get there. In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was so inspired by the view from the peak that she wrote some beautiful lyrics and then kept revising them until 1911.
“O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
“O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!
“O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
AMERICA! AMERICA! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness and every gain divine!
“O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
A prayer for today: God whose blessing we experience in more ways than we can imagine, continue to watch over us and shed your grace upon our land. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.06.11
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 5
A Thought from Washington
Two hundred twenty-nine years ago, one Revolutionary Army officer wrote George Washington a letter suggesting that a country with Mr. Washington as king was more preferable than “a nation under a republican form of government.” George wrote a letter that included these words:
“If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself,
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable--………
Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country—
Concern for yourself or posterity—
Or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind…”
--George Washington
November 1782
The temptation of powerful kingdoms is really great. The father of this nation realized that true strength would come as people patiently work to create a republic where sharing by all could mean scarcity for none. Most of us are quite affluent, especially when we look at the majority of the world. I feel like we have a long way to go to make this the kind of homeland it was dreamed to be. I pray that I can and that you can be people working diligently to create a stronger, more unified republic.
Long may this land be bright with freedom’s holy light!
A prayer for today: God of our leaders and our God, build within us a deepening respect for our brothers and sisters in this land. Empower us to work for greater and better tomorrows in your global village. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.05.11
Two hundred twenty-nine years ago, one Revolutionary Army officer wrote George Washington a letter suggesting that a country with Mr. Washington as king was more preferable than “a nation under a republican form of government.” George wrote a letter that included these words:
“If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself,
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable--………
Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country—
Concern for yourself or posterity—
Or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind…”
--George Washington
November 1782
The temptation of powerful kingdoms is really great. The father of this nation realized that true strength would come as people patiently work to create a republic where sharing by all could mean scarcity for none. Most of us are quite affluent, especially when we look at the majority of the world. I feel like we have a long way to go to make this the kind of homeland it was dreamed to be. I pray that I can and that you can be people working diligently to create a stronger, more unified republic.
Long may this land be bright with freedom’s holy light!
A prayer for today: God of our leaders and our God, build within us a deepening respect for our brothers and sisters in this land. Empower us to work for greater and better tomorrows in your global village. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.05.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 4
Spirit Fireworks!
The rhythm of another week begins. Freedom’s songs will be sung and played today. They will continue to be heard as long as we continue to give attention to the tasks of liberty that our ancestors envisioned. Tonight we’ll gaze at fireworks exploding before our eyes and behold their awesome grandeur. Today provides an opportunity to look inward and allow the fireworks of spirit renewal to create an inner beauty that rivals the magnificence of that which we will see tonight. To help us in achieving this, I share with you this prayer of Caitlin Matthews, found in a prayer book on my shelf, Prayers for Healing.
“From the depths of holy silence,
I give thanks for the joy and energy of life.
May all beings enjoy the vitality of their existence.
“I remember all that suffer great pain and long-term illness,
especially (add names).
May the Healer of Hurts breathe balm and restoration into all wounded lives.
“May all negative, angry and harmful attitudes,
especially my (add what you need to)
that I harbor within me be transformed into new available life.
“The dance of a summer day calls my steps:
May I respond to the rhythm and melody of its music.”
--Ben Keckler
07.04.11
The rhythm of another week begins. Freedom’s songs will be sung and played today. They will continue to be heard as long as we continue to give attention to the tasks of liberty that our ancestors envisioned. Tonight we’ll gaze at fireworks exploding before our eyes and behold their awesome grandeur. Today provides an opportunity to look inward and allow the fireworks of spirit renewal to create an inner beauty that rivals the magnificence of that which we will see tonight. To help us in achieving this, I share with you this prayer of Caitlin Matthews, found in a prayer book on my shelf, Prayers for Healing.
“From the depths of holy silence,
I give thanks for the joy and energy of life.
May all beings enjoy the vitality of their existence.
“I remember all that suffer great pain and long-term illness,
especially (add names).
May the Healer of Hurts breathe balm and restoration into all wounded lives.
“May all negative, angry and harmful attitudes,
especially my (add what you need to)
that I harbor within me be transformed into new available life.
“The dance of a summer day calls my steps:
May I respond to the rhythm and melody of its music.”
--Ben Keckler
07.04.11
Friday, July 1, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 1
A Holiday Weekend
I can’t help but wonder if it is still possible to get the feeling that Samuel Smith might have had as he penned these words 179 years ago. And, I can’t help but wonder if these words can still generate a sense of patriotism like they did when they were first heard in a public performance July 4, 1832 in Boston.
My country ‘tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty: of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride
From every mountainside let freedom ring.
My native country—thee
Land of the noble free thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills
My heart with rapture thrills like that above.
Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song.
Let all that breathe partake, let mortal tongues awake
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
Our fathers’ God to thee
Author of liberty, to thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light
Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.
It seems to me that nationalism which lacks a reverent fear of the Holy One is very hollow. May our priority be the discovering and honoring of the quiet center of our lives. If we struggle with that priority, America will truly be blessed.
A prayer: God of this world, create a sensitive and seeking spirit within me and within all my brothers and sisters who live in this nation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.01.11
I can’t help but wonder if it is still possible to get the feeling that Samuel Smith might have had as he penned these words 179 years ago. And, I can’t help but wonder if these words can still generate a sense of patriotism like they did when they were first heard in a public performance July 4, 1832 in Boston.
My country ‘tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty: of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride
From every mountainside let freedom ring.
My native country—thee
Land of the noble free thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills
My heart with rapture thrills like that above.
Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song.
Let all that breathe partake, let mortal tongues awake
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
Our fathers’ God to thee
Author of liberty, to thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light
Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.
It seems to me that nationalism which lacks a reverent fear of the Holy One is very hollow. May our priority be the discovering and honoring of the quiet center of our lives. If we struggle with that priority, America will truly be blessed.
A prayer: God of this world, create a sensitive and seeking spirit within me and within all my brothers and sisters who live in this nation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.01.11
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