Healing Words
A little “groaner” now that you've enjoyed your holiday consumption:
Why do we have three different names for that bread mixture that cooks inside the turkey? Well, if you eat only one serving, it is best to call it dressing. But, because it is so good and we have a second serving, some like to call it filling. Only in America, is there enough to have a bit more. So that makes it stuffing!
It is hard to fathom, but it is true. Last week there were at least several hundred thousand (actually it’s probably in the millions) pies baked that would not normally be baked on a Wednesday/Thursday in our great land. More bread was purchased than on any other day of the year. And the list goes on!
In metro Indianapolis more than 25,000 meals were delivered to families who could not support a Thanksgiving feast on their own. In addition there were a number of places where free meals were served. Realizing our blessings, we share with our brothers and sisters. It is good to remember that hungry people will be around us throughout these next months of the winter season. Canned goods for food banks are so very helpful. Making regular donations demonstrates our thankful spirit all winter long! Allow me to conclude today’s devotions with this prayer for the hungry:
Help us always remember that it is you whom we behold
In weakened bodies and haunting faces of hungry folk.
Grant that we may not turn away, but that we may find ways
To share your blessings that we’ve received
With those who do not have. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
11.30.11
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 29
Healing Words
Remembering:
Creation has forever proclaimed Holy Presence.
Reflecting:
Our ancestors demonstrated their belief that God has been and is faithful, establishing a day solely for the purpose of giving thanks to God which we observed last Thursday.
Honoring:
As we remember and we reflect, may our lives be motivated to demonstrate fully, by word and deed, a spirit of thanksgiving to the Holy One, our refuge and fortress, the One in whom we trust.
--Ben Keckler
11.29.11
Remembering:
Creation has forever proclaimed Holy Presence.
Reflecting:
Our ancestors demonstrated their belief that God has been and is faithful, establishing a day solely for the purpose of giving thanks to God which we observed last Thursday.
Honoring:
As we remember and we reflect, may our lives be motivated to demonstrate fully, by word and deed, a spirit of thanksgiving to the Holy One, our refuge and fortress, the One in whom we trust.
--Ben Keckler
11.29.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 28
Healing Words
I enjoy insightful writers. Madeleine L’Engle, who died a few years ago, was a gifted, insightful writer. She offered these words for us to think about as we begin another week.
“It is no coincidence that the root word of whole, health, heal, and holy is hale (as in hale and hearty).
If we are healed, we become whole; we are hale and hearty; we are holy.
“The marvelous thing is that this holiness is nothing we can earn.
We don’t become holy by acquiring merit badges and Brownie points.
It has nothing to do with virtue or job descriptions or morality.
It is nothing we can do, in this do-it-yourself world.
It is gift, sheer gift, waiting there to be recognized and received.”
--Ben Keckler
11.28.11
I enjoy insightful writers. Madeleine L’Engle, who died a few years ago, was a gifted, insightful writer. She offered these words for us to think about as we begin another week.
“It is no coincidence that the root word of whole, health, heal, and holy is hale (as in hale and hearty).
If we are healed, we become whole; we are hale and hearty; we are holy.
“The marvelous thing is that this holiness is nothing we can earn.
We don’t become holy by acquiring merit badges and Brownie points.
It has nothing to do with virtue or job descriptions or morality.
It is nothing we can do, in this do-it-yourself world.
It is gift, sheer gift, waiting there to be recognized and received.”
--Ben Keckler
11.28.11
Monday, November 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 21
A Brief Prayer
As we begin this week, a brief healing prayer from Bhagavad Gita:
“Fear not. What is not real never was and never will be.
What is real always was and cannot be destroyed.”
--Ben Keckler
11.21.11
As we begin this week, a brief healing prayer from Bhagavad Gita:
“Fear not. What is not real never was and never will be.
What is real always was and cannot be destroyed.”
--Ben Keckler
11.21.11
Friday, November 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 18
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
The holiday set aside for giving thanks is getting closer. This week we have taken a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. We conclude this week’s devotions with a prayer from the heart of Daniel J. McGill:
“May God bless us not with clean air alone,
but the will to keep our air clean.
May God bless us not with a vision of a healthy plant alone,
but the will to do all in our power to restore and maintain
our planet’s health.
May God bless us not with a change of heart in the great world leaders alone to save our planet,
but with a change in our own heart to use our own power
to save the planet.
May the blessing of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing. Have a peaceful weekend of restoration.
--Ben Keckler
11.18.11
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
The holiday set aside for giving thanks is getting closer. This week we have taken a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. We conclude this week’s devotions with a prayer from the heart of Daniel J. McGill:
“May God bless us not with clean air alone,
but the will to keep our air clean.
May God bless us not with a vision of a healthy plant alone,
but the will to do all in our power to restore and maintain
our planet’s health.
May God bless us not with a change of heart in the great world leaders alone to save our planet,
but with a change in our own heart to use our own power
to save the planet.
May the blessing of God not bring to us saints alone,
but make of us saints greater than any we imagine.”
Note: The prayers for this week’s devotions are from a collection of blessings, poems and meditations from around the world entitled, Prayers for Healing. Have a peaceful weekend of restoration.
--Ben Keckler
11.18.11
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 17
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
We are moving closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks. This week we are taking a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the Sioux Native Americans:
“I come before you as one of your many children.
See, I am small and weak; I need your strength and wisdom.
Grant me to walk in beauty and that my eyes may ever
behold the crimson sunset.
May my hands treat with respect the things which you have created,
may my ears hear your voice.
Make me wise, that I may understand the things,
which you have taught my people,
which you have hidden in every leaf and every rock.
I long for strength, not in order that I may overreach my brother
but to fight my greatest enemy—
myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you with pure hands and candid eyes,
So that my spirit, when life disappears like the setting sun,
May stand unashamed before you.”
I believe our brothers, the Sioux, were wise people!
--Ben Keckler
11.17.11
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
We are moving closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks. This week we are taking a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the Sioux Native Americans:
“I come before you as one of your many children.
See, I am small and weak; I need your strength and wisdom.
Grant me to walk in beauty and that my eyes may ever
behold the crimson sunset.
May my hands treat with respect the things which you have created,
may my ears hear your voice.
Make me wise, that I may understand the things,
which you have taught my people,
which you have hidden in every leaf and every rock.
I long for strength, not in order that I may overreach my brother
but to fight my greatest enemy—
myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you with pure hands and candid eyes,
So that my spirit, when life disappears like the setting sun,
May stand unashamed before you.”
I believe our brothers, the Sioux, were wise people!
--Ben Keckler
11.17.11
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 16
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
The rhythm of fall is moving us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks. This week we are taking a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of British poet, Denise Levertov:
“As swimmers dare
To lie face to the sky
And water bears them,
“As hawks rest upon air
And air sustains them,
“So would I learn to attain
Freefall, and float
Into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
Knowing no effort earns
That all-surrounding grace.”
WOW! Take some time with this prayer. I find it really powerful!
--Ben Keckler
11.16.11
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
The rhythm of fall is moving us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks. This week we are taking a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of British poet, Denise Levertov:
“As swimmers dare
To lie face to the sky
And water bears them,
“As hawks rest upon air
And air sustains them,
“So would I learn to attain
Freefall, and float
Into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
Knowing no effort earns
That all-surrounding grace.”
WOW! Take some time with this prayer. I find it really powerful!
--Ben Keckler
11.16.11
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 15
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Arlene E. Swanson:
“God,
You who created our bodies and our minds,
I come to you now, trusting your healing presence.
It is you who fashioned our organs, bones, tissues and cells
To work together in harmony for your eternal purpose.
There is no disorder in you and your pattern for us is perfect.
“I confess that I/ we have misused the earth
And this misuse impacts our bodies.
I confess that I/we misuse our emotions, minds and spirits
And this misuse brings pain and disruption to our lives.
Forgive me/us now for our wrongful use of your gifts.
Restore us by your love to full harmony with your perfect plan.
“I/We know dis-ease is not your will for us.
Your love is unconditional. Yet, pain is our teacher.
Open me/us to listen that we may again align ourselves with you.
Where we are unable to restore the earth to its perfection,
When we are unable to root out our mistakes of body and mind,
Nevertheless, be kind to us. Count our fumbling efforts as sufficient.
“Restore us now to full health, according to your desire for us.
Bring harmony to our lives, to body mind and spirit.
We thank you now, trusting your love to bring our healing.”
--Ben Keckler
11.15.11
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Arlene E. Swanson:
“God,
You who created our bodies and our minds,
I come to you now, trusting your healing presence.
It is you who fashioned our organs, bones, tissues and cells
To work together in harmony for your eternal purpose.
There is no disorder in you and your pattern for us is perfect.
“I confess that I/ we have misused the earth
And this misuse impacts our bodies.
I confess that I/we misuse our emotions, minds and spirits
And this misuse brings pain and disruption to our lives.
Forgive me/us now for our wrongful use of your gifts.
Restore us by your love to full harmony with your perfect plan.
“I/We know dis-ease is not your will for us.
Your love is unconditional. Yet, pain is our teacher.
Open me/us to listen that we may again align ourselves with you.
Where we are unable to restore the earth to its perfection,
When we are unable to root out our mistakes of body and mind,
Nevertheless, be kind to us. Count our fumbling efforts as sufficient.
“Restore us now to full health, according to your desire for us.
Bring harmony to our lives, to body mind and spirit.
We thank you now, trusting your love to bring our healing.”
--Ben Keckler
11.15.11
Monday, November 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 14
Prayers from Thankful People
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Gail Brook Burket:
“I do not ask to walk smooth paths or bear an easy load.
I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage and I can scale the headiest peaks alone,
And transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone.”
May you discover available wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour this week.
--Ben Keckler
11.14.11
“The Lord will indeed give what is good
and our land will yield its harvest.”
--A prayer of the faithful (Psalm 85:12)
As the rhythm of the fall moves us closer and closer to the holiday set aside for giving thanks, we will take a few moments each day with a prayer of faith. Today’s prayer comes from the heart of Gail Brook Burket:
“I do not ask to walk smooth paths or bear an easy load.
I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage and I can scale the headiest peaks alone,
And transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone.”
May you discover available wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour this week.
--Ben Keckler
11.14.11
Friday, November 11, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 11
Reflections on Little Gems
“When you open your heart, you open your mind.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“But if you seek the Lord your God,
you will find him if you look for him with all your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew teaching from the Deuteronomist (4:29)
I submit two little gems for your meditation today and throughout the weekend. So many times I find people trying to “figure” out the hows, the whys -- all the intellectual questions that tend to come when contemplating the Divine.
It appears that the intellectual answers only come when we get the “heart” where it needs to be. So, take the next 72 hours and just open your soul to the deepest truth I know: the Creator loves YOU!
--Ben Keckler
11.11.11
“When you open your heart, you open your mind.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“But if you seek the Lord your God,
you will find him if you look for him with all your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew teaching from the Deuteronomist (4:29)
I submit two little gems for your meditation today and throughout the weekend. So many times I find people trying to “figure” out the hows, the whys -- all the intellectual questions that tend to come when contemplating the Divine.
It appears that the intellectual answers only come when we get the “heart” where it needs to be. So, take the next 72 hours and just open your soul to the deepest truth I know: the Creator loves YOU!
--Ben Keckler
11.11.11
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 10
Reflections on Little Gems
“When people say you can’t, turn the other ear.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…”
--Jesus, as record in Matthew’s gospel (6:39)
• No one likes hearing, “You can’t do that.” No one likes the feeling of being “slapped in the face.”
• Each saying tells us a lot about appropriate attitude in the midst of painful moments.
• Turning the other ear is a way of saying, “I hear what you have said and now I am ready to listen to another voice.”
• Turning the other cheek is a way of saying, “You have hurt me but I am willing to travel more miles with you.”
May your life be graced with enough self-love and enough compassion that you are able to turn the other ear and turn the other cheek.
--Ben Keckler
11.10.11
“When people say you can’t, turn the other ear.”
--Pearls of Wisdom, Beth Mende Conne
“If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…”
--Jesus, as record in Matthew’s gospel (6:39)
• No one likes hearing, “You can’t do that.” No one likes the feeling of being “slapped in the face.”
• Each saying tells us a lot about appropriate attitude in the midst of painful moments.
• Turning the other ear is a way of saying, “I hear what you have said and now I am ready to listen to another voice.”
• Turning the other cheek is a way of saying, “You have hurt me but I am willing to travel more miles with you.”
May your life be graced with enough self-love and enough compassion that you are able to turn the other ear and turn the other cheek.
--Ben Keckler
11.10.11
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 9
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you ever felt a presence of God?
My experiences lead me to believe that abandonment is the feeling we have when the presence of God is happening in silence. Seismologists can confirm that the earth is always shifting or moving. Yet we seldom think about the earth “quaking” until the pictures fall off the wall!
In the quiet times of life, it can feel like God is absent. Be very still today, maybe the silence will speak! Maybe awareness will grow.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.11
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you ever felt a presence of God?
My experiences lead me to believe that abandonment is the feeling we have when the presence of God is happening in silence. Seismologists can confirm that the earth is always shifting or moving. Yet we seldom think about the earth “quaking” until the pictures fall off the wall!
In the quiet times of life, it can feel like God is absent. Be very still today, maybe the silence will speak! Maybe awareness will grow.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.11
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 8
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.08.11
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.08.11
Monday, November 7, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 7
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• In the past several weeks, I’ve encountered too many associates who are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level.
• Added to that I’ve visited with too many families who are flooded by the torrential rains that are sweeping through their lives.
• Added to that I’ve watched natural disaster after natural disaster reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature.
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permit sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections find your spirit wrestling with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.07.11
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• In the past several weeks, I’ve encountered too many associates who are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level.
• Added to that I’ve visited with too many families who are flooded by the torrential rains that are sweeping through their lives.
• Added to that I’ve watched natural disaster after natural disaster reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature.
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permit sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections find your spirit wrestling with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.07.11
Friday, November 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 4
Pursuing Excellence
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in a person’s determination.” --Tommy Lasorda
I believe Tommy Lasorda understands a major component in the pursuit of excellence. In all of life, a primary question is, “How am I, can I, will I accomplish this task?” A determined attitude, an internal spirit that says, “I will until…” a focus on dividing the awesome task into small parts is how tasks are accomplished. If the task is “eat an elephant.” then you start by taking one bite at a time. Meditate on the Los Angeles Dodger manager’s quote today. Think about how determined you are to work on the task from this song that Florence Price introduced in the early 70’s.
“Someday a bright new wave will break upon the shore
And there will be no sickness, no more sorrow, no more war,
And little children never will go hungry anymore,
For there’ll be a bright new morning over there,
There’ll be a bright new world for us to share.
“Someday there’ll be an end to unkind words and cruel,
The one who said there is no God will know they’ve been a fool,
And peace will be a way of life with love the only rule
For there’ll be a bright new morning over there,
There’ll be a bright new world for us to share.”
So the question comes to us again. If we are going to pursue excellence and we really do believe it is attainable, then how determined are you, are we to be the people in this world who tackle the challenge created in the lyrics of the song above? “Blessed are the peacemakers,” we are told. How determined are you?
Have a very good weekend!
--Ben Keckler
11.04.11
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in a person’s determination.” --Tommy Lasorda
I believe Tommy Lasorda understands a major component in the pursuit of excellence. In all of life, a primary question is, “How am I, can I, will I accomplish this task?” A determined attitude, an internal spirit that says, “I will until…” a focus on dividing the awesome task into small parts is how tasks are accomplished. If the task is “eat an elephant.” then you start by taking one bite at a time. Meditate on the Los Angeles Dodger manager’s quote today. Think about how determined you are to work on the task from this song that Florence Price introduced in the early 70’s.
“Someday a bright new wave will break upon the shore
And there will be no sickness, no more sorrow, no more war,
And little children never will go hungry anymore,
For there’ll be a bright new morning over there,
There’ll be a bright new world for us to share.
“Someday there’ll be an end to unkind words and cruel,
The one who said there is no God will know they’ve been a fool,
And peace will be a way of life with love the only rule
For there’ll be a bright new morning over there,
There’ll be a bright new world for us to share.”
So the question comes to us again. If we are going to pursue excellence and we really do believe it is attainable, then how determined are you, are we to be the people in this world who tackle the challenge created in the lyrics of the song above? “Blessed are the peacemakers,” we are told. How determined are you?
Have a very good weekend!
--Ben Keckler
11.04.11
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 3
Pursuing Excellence
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: “It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
--W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham, French born author and playwright, studied to be a physician. His experiences while completing an internship in the slums of London prompted him to write a novel. Several plays and an additional book or two followed his novel. He enjoyed travel and wrote many short stories that reflected his love of exotic locales. He became known as the master of the short story.
What are the standards of performance that you have established for your work? Do you have a working definition of what “the best” is for you? How do you hold yourself accountable for performance? These questions are worthy of consideration; when you only expect the best from yourself, you will not be disappointed.
--Ben Keckler
11.03.11
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Thursday: “It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
--W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham, French born author and playwright, studied to be a physician. His experiences while completing an internship in the slums of London prompted him to write a novel. Several plays and an additional book or two followed his novel. He enjoyed travel and wrote many short stories that reflected his love of exotic locales. He became known as the master of the short story.
What are the standards of performance that you have established for your work? Do you have a working definition of what “the best” is for you? How do you hold yourself accountable for performance? These questions are worthy of consideration; when you only expect the best from yourself, you will not be disappointed.
--Ben Keckler
11.03.11
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 2
Pursuing Excellence
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” --Booker T. Washington
Booker Taliaferro Washington, born a slave and deprived of education in his childhood, became America’s foremost black educator in the early part of the last century. His nickname was “The Great Accommodator”. This characteristic, while not highly acclaimed, is a real gift. To accommodate another is to make them comfortable in new surroundings, to make them feel at home while away from their home.
The task of providing healthcare (my field of work) means accommodating people in surroundings that are not their own. This is the work of all healthcare providers. It is a task shared with hundreds of other caregiving institutions. The challenge in my workplace is for our team to do our work in an uncommon way, to hold before one another the value of excellence. It is a task that should motivate us. We talk frequently about “compassionate care.”
Viewing this challenge in the midst of all the talk about health care reform, it would be good for each of us to become better listeners to the “voice” that stirs in our souls. What uncommon way can you perform your tasks? When we feel that inner nudge to extend our compassion in an uncommon way, then we are moving toward excellence. When we deliver our nudge, we move closer to excellence. Maybe there is something to being an accommodator.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.11
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Wednesday: “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” --Booker T. Washington
Booker Taliaferro Washington, born a slave and deprived of education in his childhood, became America’s foremost black educator in the early part of the last century. His nickname was “The Great Accommodator”. This characteristic, while not highly acclaimed, is a real gift. To accommodate another is to make them comfortable in new surroundings, to make them feel at home while away from their home.
The task of providing healthcare (my field of work) means accommodating people in surroundings that are not their own. This is the work of all healthcare providers. It is a task shared with hundreds of other caregiving institutions. The challenge in my workplace is for our team to do our work in an uncommon way, to hold before one another the value of excellence. It is a task that should motivate us. We talk frequently about “compassionate care.”
Viewing this challenge in the midst of all the talk about health care reform, it would be good for each of us to become better listeners to the “voice” that stirs in our souls. What uncommon way can you perform your tasks? When we feel that inner nudge to extend our compassion in an uncommon way, then we are moving toward excellence. When we deliver our nudge, we move closer to excellence. Maybe there is something to being an accommodator.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.11
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 1
Pursuing Excellence
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” --Vince Lombardi
Given the present economic realities in our global culture, I believe that it is critically important to focus on the pursuit of excellence. For a variety of reasons, the world is becoming more integrated and it feels that there is constant call for change. This reality provides an opportunity for me. In my vocation I MUST commit myself to consistent listening to patients, families and fellow associates. It is a time for me to commit to higher personal standards, not because I will have an annual evaluation but because I care about being authentic. It is a time for me to commit to pursuing a new level of excellence.
How are you pursuing excellence in the work you provide? Coach Lombardi says it well. It is probably time for self-assessment. Am I, are you, are we committed to excellence? Have a good week.
--Ben Keckler
11.01.11
“I will walk with integrity of heart…”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Tuesday: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” --Vince Lombardi
Given the present economic realities in our global culture, I believe that it is critically important to focus on the pursuit of excellence. For a variety of reasons, the world is becoming more integrated and it feels that there is constant call for change. This reality provides an opportunity for me. In my vocation I MUST commit myself to consistent listening to patients, families and fellow associates. It is a time for me to commit to higher personal standards, not because I will have an annual evaluation but because I care about being authentic. It is a time for me to commit to pursuing a new level of excellence.
How are you pursuing excellence in the work you provide? Coach Lombardi says it well. It is probably time for self-assessment. Am I, are you, are we committed to excellence? Have a good week.
--Ben Keckler
11.01.11
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