Table Fellowship
“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 few years ago I was privileged to journey with a mental health team to Rwanda. As I prepare today’s devotions, I’ve been taken back to that experience.
While in Kigali, Rwanda our group had the most pleasant opportunity of eating in an Indian restaurant. The atmosphere was wonderful, the food was excellent and the conversations about our table are still memorable over three years later! Sitting around tables with new friends from across the US and Canada, we enjoyed Indian cuisine in an African nation still recovering from a horrific genocide. The question for me that night and the question that still puzzles me is, “Why can’t we live peacefully?”
I believe fear, rational and irrational, holds us back from becoming a peaceful global village. I feel sad when I think about the ways we inflict pain upon another-- through warfare, by rushing to receive the latest medical treatment, by imposing our values on others. The list is long!
Is it possible to sit down and through dialog and listening become better people, making the world a safer place? It seems to me life is more about seeing each other through than it is about seeing through each other. I would challenge each of us to spend some time in dialog with people, whether they are homeless or unemployed, your neighbor or a resident from another country, a dying person or a little child teeming with life. All you really need is a shared bowl of rice, unless you’d prefer oatmeal!
--Ben Keckler
10.31.11
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 28
Voices Shared
A Final Reflection as Pastoral Care Week Ends
Pastoral Care week remembrance ends today but the work of pastoral care never ends. Allow me to close this week with a formal prayer focusing on the theme of healing communication.
God of all creation,
You have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections.
And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing.
You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body.
Help us as your caregivers to realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human compassion into a healing balm for the aching soul.
We, like many, are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose, for meaning in our lives.
May we ever come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we.
And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created: to serve you and bring your reign of peace into our midst. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.28.11
A Final Reflection as Pastoral Care Week Ends
Pastoral Care week remembrance ends today but the work of pastoral care never ends. Allow me to close this week with a formal prayer focusing on the theme of healing communication.
God of all creation,
You have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections.
And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing.
You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body.
Help us as your caregivers to realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human compassion into a healing balm for the aching soul.
We, like many, are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose, for meaning in our lives.
May we ever come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we.
And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created: to serve you and bring your reign of peace into our midst. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.28.11
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 27
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Uncertainty
I’m writing this devotion one week prior to the playing of the World Series. All I know at this point is that the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals will be in the series. Some of the things about which I am uncertain:
• Will the young pitcher on the Cardinals from Brownsburg, Indiana be the star?
• Will the series be over already?
• Will the series go to five games, six games, seven games?
• Will this be a “hitters” series or a “pitchers” series?
• Who is going to be this year’s Mr. October?
There is a lot of uncertainty today. This morning as I journeyed through the hospital I heard this tension called uncertainty in the lives of patients and in the lives of my fellow associates. The uncertainty and the hope weren’t about a baseball game; the uncertainty was about life and health. The emotional reactions of baseball fans in two great American cities mirror the emotions we deal with daily. I guess it can be helpful to go out to the old ballgame.
By the time you read this, baseball may be over for the year. Hopefully you can sit back at least one more night and let the commentators take you out to another game of the 2011 World Series. Allow your spirit to do some work on the uncertainties and the hopes that are a part of your life. Try to imagine the necessary things for you to be filled with peace.
Have a very good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, be with me as I journey through my hopes and fears. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.27.11
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Uncertainty
I’m writing this devotion one week prior to the playing of the World Series. All I know at this point is that the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals will be in the series. Some of the things about which I am uncertain:
• Will the young pitcher on the Cardinals from Brownsburg, Indiana be the star?
• Will the series be over already?
• Will the series go to five games, six games, seven games?
• Will this be a “hitters” series or a “pitchers” series?
• Who is going to be this year’s Mr. October?
There is a lot of uncertainty today. This morning as I journeyed through the hospital I heard this tension called uncertainty in the lives of patients and in the lives of my fellow associates. The uncertainty and the hope weren’t about a baseball game; the uncertainty was about life and health. The emotional reactions of baseball fans in two great American cities mirror the emotions we deal with daily. I guess it can be helpful to go out to the old ballgame.
By the time you read this, baseball may be over for the year. Hopefully you can sit back at least one more night and let the commentators take you out to another game of the 2011 World Series. Allow your spirit to do some work on the uncertainties and the hopes that are a part of your life. Try to imagine the necessary things for you to be filled with peace.
Have a very good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, be with me as I journey through my hopes and fears. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.27.11
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 26
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
-A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Baseball in Casa Blanca
Note: This particular devotion was written several years ago; I’ve been asked to use it again and so, here it is:
You may recall a hurricane named Hurricane Mitch. Mitch settled in over Honduras and Nicaragua, totally devastating the mountainside villages like Casa Blanca, Nicaragua. I will always remember my time with the Nicaraguan people. Mitch decimated the village of Casa Blanca. I’d seen poverty, but none like Casa Blanca.
As the 17 Americans sat together assessing our first day, we were keenly aware that we had packed more for our ten-day mission than the entire community of 400 owned. We were really humbled. Two teenagers and their dad were part of the group. As we reflected, Danny’s eyes lit up. He asked for our first aid kit. He took a little ball he had brought from home and started wrapping rubber bands around it. Then he took some gauze and all of a sudden a baseball was starting to emerge. He then took some duct tape. The adults joined in and soon a very fine “baseball” was made.
He showed it to the teenagers. They knew baseball. Soon a couple of tree limbs were being formed into bats. On the final day of our work camp, friendships had grown to the point that it was time for a baseball game. The Nicaraguans of Casa Blanca were playing the North Americans from Indiana. What a fun day.
As you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the World Series ballgame, allow your spirit to do some thinking about ways you can bring healing to our brothers and sisters around the world. Who knows? Maybe you’ll have an opportunity to play in a World Series. I truly enjoyed my World Series experience. Have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, take me to the ballgames I need to play. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.26.11
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
-A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Baseball in Casa Blanca
Note: This particular devotion was written several years ago; I’ve been asked to use it again and so, here it is:
You may recall a hurricane named Hurricane Mitch. Mitch settled in over Honduras and Nicaragua, totally devastating the mountainside villages like Casa Blanca, Nicaragua. I will always remember my time with the Nicaraguan people. Mitch decimated the village of Casa Blanca. I’d seen poverty, but none like Casa Blanca.
As the 17 Americans sat together assessing our first day, we were keenly aware that we had packed more for our ten-day mission than the entire community of 400 owned. We were really humbled. Two teenagers and their dad were part of the group. As we reflected, Danny’s eyes lit up. He asked for our first aid kit. He took a little ball he had brought from home and started wrapping rubber bands around it. Then he took some gauze and all of a sudden a baseball was starting to emerge. He then took some duct tape. The adults joined in and soon a very fine “baseball” was made.
He showed it to the teenagers. They knew baseball. Soon a couple of tree limbs were being formed into bats. On the final day of our work camp, friendships had grown to the point that it was time for a baseball game. The Nicaraguans of Casa Blanca were playing the North Americans from Indiana. What a fun day.
As you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the World Series ballgame, allow your spirit to do some thinking about ways you can bring healing to our brothers and sisters around the world. Who knows? Maybe you’ll have an opportunity to play in a World Series. I truly enjoyed my World Series experience. Have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, take me to the ballgames I need to play. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.26.11
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 25
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Where is the ballgame?
By the time you read this devotion the World Series could be history. The Rangers or the Cardinals may have completed a sweep of their opponent. I do know that October 25 (tonight) is a scheduled travel day and I know that tomorrow’s home team is scheduled to be the Cardinals. (Go CARDS!)
In some ways the question “where is the ballgame?” can be reframed as we think about “Voices Shared,” the theme for Pastoral Care Week 2011.
Healing of self is tough work and I believe “inner healing” is where the true ballgame is! It requires diligent work. Sharing a personal story of pain with listeners who use a variety of lenses to examine the story is where we need to focus.
I believe there is a time and purpose for everything. Sometimes we need to examine medical questions, sometimes we need to examine psychological questions, sometimes we need to examine spiritual questions, and sometimes we need to have a multi-disciplinary approach to healing.
As you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the World Series ballgame (wherever it is), allow your spirit to do some work as you contemplate some of the healings that can happen in our global village. The healing begins when we decide to play hardball with ourselves.
Have a very good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, take me to the ballgames I need to play. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.11
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Where is the ballgame?
By the time you read this devotion the World Series could be history. The Rangers or the Cardinals may have completed a sweep of their opponent. I do know that October 25 (tonight) is a scheduled travel day and I know that tomorrow’s home team is scheduled to be the Cardinals. (Go CARDS!)
In some ways the question “where is the ballgame?” can be reframed as we think about “Voices Shared,” the theme for Pastoral Care Week 2011.
Healing of self is tough work and I believe “inner healing” is where the true ballgame is! It requires diligent work. Sharing a personal story of pain with listeners who use a variety of lenses to examine the story is where we need to focus.
I believe there is a time and purpose for everything. Sometimes we need to examine medical questions, sometimes we need to examine psychological questions, sometimes we need to examine spiritual questions, and sometimes we need to have a multi-disciplinary approach to healing.
As you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the World Series ballgame (wherever it is), allow your spirit to do some work as you contemplate some of the healings that can happen in our global village. The healing begins when we decide to play hardball with ourselves.
Have a very good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, take me to the ballgames I need to play. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.11
Monday, October 24, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 24
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Where are the Phillies?
All that money the Philadelphia Phillies spent in recent years to field the finest team in baseball didn’t work this year. The Phillies have an abundance of great players and coaches, but fans aren’t celebrating this year in the city of brotherly love. This year BIG money couldn’t purchase a championship.
As I pen this devotion the National League champ has not been crowned. Either Milwaukee or St. Louis will be playing the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, it will be a series of good ballgames!
This week is pastoral care week and the theme of the week is “Voices Shared.” The ballgame of pastoral care is about listening to the voices of those who have stories to share! The world is quite torn, fractured by earthquake, flooding, hurricane and tornado; the world is quite chaotic, divided by conflicting political, economic, and religious beliefs and values. Is it possible to listen to the voices of pained and grief-filled people? Where is the level path and how can shared voices lead us toward it, if not to it? It seems that the first half of today’s song has an answer. I can’t help but wonder if we are willing to let our spirits be humbled to the point that we can be taught.
So, as you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the ballgame, allow your spirit to do some work imagining how “shared voices” across the global village can bring a measure of healing for this fractured and divided world.
I trust that each of us is looking forward to a great week.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Where are the Phillies?
All that money the Philadelphia Phillies spent in recent years to field the finest team in baseball didn’t work this year. The Phillies have an abundance of great players and coaches, but fans aren’t celebrating this year in the city of brotherly love. This year BIG money couldn’t purchase a championship.
As I pen this devotion the National League champ has not been crowned. Either Milwaukee or St. Louis will be playing the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, it will be a series of good ballgames!
This week is pastoral care week and the theme of the week is “Voices Shared.” The ballgame of pastoral care is about listening to the voices of those who have stories to share! The world is quite torn, fractured by earthquake, flooding, hurricane and tornado; the world is quite chaotic, divided by conflicting political, economic, and religious beliefs and values. Is it possible to listen to the voices of pained and grief-filled people? Where is the level path and how can shared voices lead us toward it, if not to it? It seems that the first half of today’s song has an answer. I can’t help but wonder if we are willing to let our spirits be humbled to the point that we can be taught.
So, as you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the ballgame, allow your spirit to do some work imagining how “shared voices” across the global village can bring a measure of healing for this fractured and divided world.
I trust that each of us is looking forward to a great week.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 21
Something to Ponder
This week I have shared a brief motivational thought with you. I hope you have allowed the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. David Sarnoff closes our week of important thoughts.
“Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will
not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense
of the glory of striving . . . if your sights are set far above
the merely secure and mediocre.”
WOW! Have a most meaningful Friday and weekend!
--Ben Keckler
10.21.11
This week I have shared a brief motivational thought with you. I hope you have allowed the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. David Sarnoff closes our week of important thoughts.
“Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will
not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense
of the glory of striving . . . if your sights are set far above
the merely secure and mediocre.”
WOW! Have a most meaningful Friday and weekend!
--Ben Keckler
10.21.11
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 20
Something to Ponder
Each day this week I have shared a brief motivational thought with you. Allow these words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. Thursday’s thoughts are some facts collected by Glenn Van Ekeren. I hope you enjoy them:
“If you think time has been your biggest obstacle on the
road to achievement, think again. Time allows us the
opportunity to dedicate ourselves to larger, worthwhile
efforts: Here are some examples:
• Poet William Cullen Bryant rewrote one of his
essays 99 times in an effort to perfect it.
• It took historian Edward Gibbon 26 years to
write The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
• Noah Webster spent 36 years producing the first
edition of the dictionary that bears his name.”
Be attentive to today and do what you are capable of doing—do your work well!
--Ben Keckler
10.20.11
Each day this week I have shared a brief motivational thought with you. Allow these words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. Thursday’s thoughts are some facts collected by Glenn Van Ekeren. I hope you enjoy them:
“If you think time has been your biggest obstacle on the
road to achievement, think again. Time allows us the
opportunity to dedicate ourselves to larger, worthwhile
efforts: Here are some examples:
• Poet William Cullen Bryant rewrote one of his
essays 99 times in an effort to perfect it.
• It took historian Edward Gibbon 26 years to
write The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
• Noah Webster spent 36 years producing the first
edition of the dictionary that bears his name.”
Be attentive to today and do what you are capable of doing—do your work well!
--Ben Keckler
10.20.11
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 19
Something to Ponder
Each day this week I am sharing a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. It is Wednesday and here are some very important words from Andre Gide:
“What another would have done as well as you, do not do it.
What another would have said as well as you, do not say it.
What another would have written as well, do not write it.
Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself—
and thus make yourself indispensable.”
May this thought flood your actions throughout the day.
--Ben Keckler
10.19.11
Each day this week I am sharing a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. It is Wednesday and here are some very important words from Andre Gide:
“What another would have done as well as you, do not do it.
What another would have said as well as you, do not say it.
What another would have written as well, do not write it.
Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself—
and thus make yourself indispensable.”
May this thought flood your actions throughout the day.
--Ben Keckler
10.19.11
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 18
Something to Ponder
Each day this week I’d like to share a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. It is Tuesday and here are some words from James Carroll:
“We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal
thinking. We move along the surface of things going from one
quick base to another, often with a frenzy that wears us out.
We collect data, things, people, ideas, 'profound experiences,'
never penetrating any of them. . . . But there are other times.
There are times when we stop. We sit still. We lose ourselves
in a pile of leaves or its memory. We listen, and breezes from
a whole other world begin to whisper.”
Listen to the breezes that whisper to you today.
--Ben Keckler
10.18.11
Each day this week I’d like to share a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. It is Tuesday and here are some words from James Carroll:
“We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal
thinking. We move along the surface of things going from one
quick base to another, often with a frenzy that wears us out.
We collect data, things, people, ideas, 'profound experiences,'
never penetrating any of them. . . . But there are other times.
There are times when we stop. We sit still. We lose ourselves
in a pile of leaves or its memory. We listen, and breezes from
a whole other world begin to whisper.”
Listen to the breezes that whisper to you today.
--Ben Keckler
10.18.11
Monday, October 17, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 17
Something to Ponder
Each day this week I’d like to share a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. For the beginning of the week, some words from Joanna Macy:
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am
convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love
for this life is even greater than their fear. These people
can open the web of life that called us into being, and who
can rest in the vitality of that larger body.”
Have a meaningful week.
--Ben Keckler
10.17.11
Each day this week I’d like to share a brief motivational thought with you. Allow the words to resonate within you and discover how they might apply to your life. For the beginning of the week, some words from Joanna Macy:
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am
convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love
for this life is even greater than their fear. These people
can open the web of life that called us into being, and who
can rest in the vitality of that larger body.”
Have a meaningful week.
--Ben Keckler
10.17.11
Friday, October 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 14
About Prayer
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient’s condition had been deteriorating for several days and the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient’s doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I’ve learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled “The Thinker”) he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. Patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient’s condition had been deteriorating for several days and the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient’s doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I’ve learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled “The Thinker”) he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. Patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.11
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 13
Questions and Answers
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Letting Questions Live
Have you taken the time to examine the purpose behind most any question you ask of another person? Generally speaking, we ask because we are expecting an answer. If not an answer, then a reasonable explanation; if not a reasonable explanation then hopefully a meaningful dialogue.
Because of the way we are trained in the educational arena, we hear a question and react with an answer. Often our answers are given based on personal experience. Often our personal experience is simply a repetition of a previous personal experience. Therefore we give answers to questions without truly understanding the present moment.
It seems to me that the best thing in life is the question, far more than the answer. The question needs to be honored as the “living thing.” The wise person is generally not the one with the answer. The wise person is the person who is sensitive to the moment; is sensitive to the other person’s needs; and is uninfluenced by any residue from the experience of the past.
One of the most valuable traits we can develop is the trait of simply being present with another person, allowing their questions to be honored more than answered. To let the question live is a very important way of letting the other person know they are loved.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness, allowing questions to live. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.13.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: Letting Questions Live
Have you taken the time to examine the purpose behind most any question you ask of another person? Generally speaking, we ask because we are expecting an answer. If not an answer, then a reasonable explanation; if not a reasonable explanation then hopefully a meaningful dialogue.
Because of the way we are trained in the educational arena, we hear a question and react with an answer. Often our answers are given based on personal experience. Often our personal experience is simply a repetition of a previous personal experience. Therefore we give answers to questions without truly understanding the present moment.
It seems to me that the best thing in life is the question, far more than the answer. The question needs to be honored as the “living thing.” The wise person is generally not the one with the answer. The wise person is the person who is sensitive to the moment; is sensitive to the other person’s needs; and is uninfluenced by any residue from the experience of the past.
One of the most valuable traits we can develop is the trait of simply being present with another person, allowing their questions to be honored more than answered. To let the question live is a very important way of letting the other person know they are loved.
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness, allowing questions to live. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.13.11
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 12
Mystery
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Absenteeism Present-ness
Over the last few weeks a number of difficult situations have confronted a number of my friends, fellow associates and – to be quite honest – me. Today I would like to share the following story with you.
“The great Karl Rahner wrote to a young German drug addict who had asked him for help. The addict had written, “You theologians talk about God, but how could this God be relevant in my life? How could this God get me off drugs? Rahner replied, “I must confess to you in all honesty that for me God is and has always been absolute mystery. I do not understand what God is; no one can. We have imitations, inklings; we make faltering, inadequate attempts to put mystery into words. But there is NO word for it, no sentence for it.” He added these words later, “The task of the theologian is to explain everything through God and to explain God as unexplainable.”
God is unexplainable mystery. What I am learning is this:
Be aware. Watch; observe what is going on within you and around you. It is so easy to be imprisoned by old sayings. Being aware helps us break out of rigid patterns we have developed out of the thoughts and words we have imposed on God.
Recently I shared with one of my friends that God could best be described as “Absenteeism Present-ness.” I like that term for mystery.
I pray that you will have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
10.12.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: Absenteeism Present-ness
Over the last few weeks a number of difficult situations have confronted a number of my friends, fellow associates and – to be quite honest – me. Today I would like to share the following story with you.
“The great Karl Rahner wrote to a young German drug addict who had asked him for help. The addict had written, “You theologians talk about God, but how could this God be relevant in my life? How could this God get me off drugs? Rahner replied, “I must confess to you in all honesty that for me God is and has always been absolute mystery. I do not understand what God is; no one can. We have imitations, inklings; we make faltering, inadequate attempts to put mystery into words. But there is NO word for it, no sentence for it.” He added these words later, “The task of the theologian is to explain everything through God and to explain God as unexplainable.”
God is unexplainable mystery. What I am learning is this:
Be aware. Watch; observe what is going on within you and around you. It is so easy to be imprisoned by old sayings. Being aware helps us break out of rigid patterns we have developed out of the thoughts and words we have imposed on God.
Recently I shared with one of my friends that God could best be described as “Absenteeism Present-ness.” I like that term for mystery.
I pray that you will have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
10.12.11
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 11
An Invitation to Stillness
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Taking time through a simple prayer
This is a simple prayer, authored by David Whyte. Take some time with it today. Read it; then be still and after a time of meditation, read it again. Repeat this three times today. It is helping me with my awareness of the Holy.
"Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
If not this breath, this sitting here.
"This opening to the life
We have refused
Again and again
Until now.
"Until now."
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me stillness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.11.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: Taking time through a simple prayer
This is a simple prayer, authored by David Whyte. Take some time with it today. Read it; then be still and after a time of meditation, read it again. Repeat this three times today. It is helping me with my awareness of the Holy.
"Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
If not this breath, this sitting here.
"This opening to the life
We have refused
Again and again
Until now.
"Until now."
I pray that you will have a good day.
A Prayer: Holy God, teach me stillness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.11.11
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Reflections on a Weekend
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” ---A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Taking the time
This weekend was spent with family and friends. It was a get-away weekend to give thanks for the life of my mother-in-law. She left this side of life late last month. The trip took us into one of the truly beautiful areas of our land, Lancaster County, PA. The beauty of fall colors painting the mountainsides amid towering evergreens provided an excellent setting for reflection. My wife stayed in East for an extended time with her sister. It seems like I grow in my spiritual awareness when I take opportunities to reflect on seasonal changes in the rhythms of nature.
This “away from the routine” time allowed me to do some “soul work”. The question I am dealing with as I return to the workplace is this:
How can I better balance the demands of daily routine
so that every minute feels like a dance with the Divine?
As I begin my reflections, I realize that this question is not just a personal one for me. The past ten years spent listening to the heart songs of others here at Hendricks Regional Health assures me that the question is a worthy one for each of us. I invite you to join me in the process. I look forward to this week at Hendricks Regional Health. I pray that you will have a good week.
A Prayer: Holy God, distract me from my busy-ness so that I can fully appreciate your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.10.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time for continued development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” ---A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Taking the time
This weekend was spent with family and friends. It was a get-away weekend to give thanks for the life of my mother-in-law. She left this side of life late last month. The trip took us into one of the truly beautiful areas of our land, Lancaster County, PA. The beauty of fall colors painting the mountainsides amid towering evergreens provided an excellent setting for reflection. My wife stayed in East for an extended time with her sister. It seems like I grow in my spiritual awareness when I take opportunities to reflect on seasonal changes in the rhythms of nature.
This “away from the routine” time allowed me to do some “soul work”. The question I am dealing with as I return to the workplace is this:
How can I better balance the demands of daily routine
so that every minute feels like a dance with the Divine?
As I begin my reflections, I realize that this question is not just a personal one for me. The past ten years spent listening to the heart songs of others here at Hendricks Regional Health assures me that the question is a worthy one for each of us. I invite you to join me in the process. I look forward to this week at Hendricks Regional Health. I pray that you will have a good week.
A Prayer: Holy God, distract me from my busy-ness so that I can fully appreciate your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.10.11
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 7
Allowing Life to Unfold
“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)
This week we have traveled with Leo in order to explore some life-lessons. I hope you read some of Buscaglia’s writings; they are wonderful. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
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 Asia. 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 not just today but throughout the weekend.
As you live your life, it is good to remember that you only have the moment you are in. Obviously, you probably will have more than just this moment but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. When we practice living in the moment, we build a far more peaceful world.
--Ben Keckler
10.7.11
“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)
This week we have traveled with Leo in order to explore some life-lessons. I hope you read some of Buscaglia’s writings; they are wonderful. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
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 Asia. 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 not just today but throughout the weekend.
As you live your life, it is good to remember that you only have the moment you are in. Obviously, you probably will have more than just this moment but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. When we practice living in the moment, we build a far more peaceful world.
--Ben Keckler
10.7.11
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 6
A Time for Fellowship
“…They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
--An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2: 46, 47)
“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
I hope you have read some of Buscaglia’s writings. He took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we have traveled with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with Leo that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip 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.
--Ben Keckler
10.6.11
“…They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
--An insight about the lifestyle of early Christians (Acts 2: 46, 47)
“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
I hope you have read some of Buscaglia’s writings. He took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we have traveled with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
When Buscaglia reached the mountains of Nepal he saw splendid views of valleys below. A few years ago I was privileged to climb a glacier in Norway and gaze across the farms in the valley. Like Mr. Buscaglia, I have mental pictures of natural beauty. But I must agree with Leo that the really important aspects of a wonderful trip 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.
--Ben Keckler
10.6.11
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, October 5
Responding to Life
“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”
--Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24:15)
“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
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s writings, they are wonderful. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are traveling with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may experience the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did; there he found the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the room of a patient here at the hospital 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. Recent experiences of the natural disasters in 2011 have taken their toll on millions.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.5.11
“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”
--Joshua to the people of Israel (Joshua 24:15)
“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
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s writings, they are wonderful. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. This week we are traveling with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
From time to time we encounter things that can really have an impact on our lives. We may experience the tough times that Joshua and the people of Israel experienced on the wilderness journey before Joshua issued the statement printed above. We may journey to Calcutta like Buscaglia did; there he found the poverty and living conditions to be almost overwhelming. We may walk into the room of a patient here at the hospital 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. Recent experiences of the natural disasters in 2011 have taken their toll on millions.
The way we respond to such encounters is important. Joshua and Leo Buscaglia give us some valuable insights.
A prayer: God, guide my life and fill me with appropriate responses. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.5.11
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 4
Receptivity
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s wonderful writings. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are traveling with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
Today’s scripture verse finds Moses giving a “goodbye speech”. He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia, he met Lat, a tour guide who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness, inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn’t show the next day at the appointed time but as he writes, “I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, ‘Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.”
Take some time today to recall some moments when the “hello-goodbye-hello” experience helped your personal development. Today may be a time when you will encounter the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.4.11
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s wonderful writings. He took a journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are traveling with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
Today’s scripture verse finds Moses giving a “goodbye speech”. He is turning over the torch of leadership to Joshua. Today we find Leo Buscaglia in Saigon growing in his understanding of the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga that is so much a part of life.
As Buscaglia free-lanced throughout Asia, he met Lat, a tour guide who invited him to be a part of her tour group. Lat was very personable and welcoming. He returned her kindness, inviting her to dinner that night. He learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture (after dinner they went to an opera) and they made plans to meet again the next day for additional touring. She didn’t show the next day at the appointed time but as he writes, “I returned to my hotel to find a note that read, ‘Work did not permit me any free time to see you again. Continue to have a good trip. Return to Saigon after the war.”
Take some time today to recall some moments when the “hello-goodbye-hello” experience helped your personal development. Today may be a time when you will encounter the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.4.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 3
“Who is my neighbor?”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s writings; they are wonderful. He took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are going to travel with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
While in Thailand he met Mack and Pricha; his observations help with the question of the day. Shortly after arriving at his “culturally acceptable but quite unacceptable accommodations”, he met Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways. He didn’t really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. Leo learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha, a native Thai. During his time with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. Leo discovered a very different value system -- one he came to respect, admire and assimilate.
Understanding “Who is my neighbor?” begins as we willingly/ reluctantly expose ourselves to opportunities beyond our comfort zone. Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) is a way we can survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the journey alongside other special people.
--Ben Keckler
10.3.11
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s writings; they are wonderful. He took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are going to travel with Leo to explore some life-lessons.
While in Thailand he met Mack and Pricha; his observations help with the question of the day. Shortly after arriving at his “culturally acceptable but quite unacceptable accommodations”, he met Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways. He didn’t really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. Leo learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha, a native Thai. During his time with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. Leo discovered a very different value system -- one he came to respect, admire and assimilate.
Understanding “Who is my neighbor?” begins as we willingly/ reluctantly expose ourselves to opportunities beyond our comfort zone. Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) is a way we can survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the journey alongside other special people.
--Ben Keckler
10.3.11
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