Reflections on the 23rd Psalm While it is only Tuesday morning, it is never too early in the week to experience soothing words from the 23rd Psalm. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul." As spring unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around us. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don't we? The author seems to sey, "God leads me to the places he does and I know my needed renewal will be provided. Yes, God enables me to recapture my energy and move ahead." There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul. --Ben Keckler 05.15.12

Reflections on Psalm 23 Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance, they need to be watched and protected and encouraged. The 23rd Psalm starts with the writer confessing the need of the soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.” Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep in the barren, rocky and dry countryside of Biblical times. It wouldn’t take long for grasslands to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of a shepherd was a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water could nurture his animals. The writer must have felt like he needed some help getting nutrition but proclaims with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.” As we begin a new week of care giving at Hendricks Regional I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied. May you be blessed with the ability to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you. --Ben Keckler 05.14.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, April 30

Rhythms in the Life Journey “You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it….” A songwriter announces his/her belief in the Creator’s springtime goodness --Psalm 65:9 This week I’d like for us to spend some devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. Children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits us. These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. So come with me friends on a journey through some of the rhythms we experience. Come and meditate. Today a prayer for a baptism or blessing of a child as written by The Rev. Mark Belletini: We bless this child with the elements of our common being, With earth, air, fire and water. With earth, which is as solid as your given frame, my child, we bless you. Take care of yourself as a body; be good to yourself, for you are a good gift. With air, which is as fluctuating as your given passion my child, we bless you. You will know sorrow and joy, rage and contentment, resentment and ecstasy. Feel your passions my child, they are good gifts. With fire, which is as illuminating as your given intelligence, my child, we bless you. Reason with care, test the world, and think with care, for your mind is a good gift. With water, which is as clear as your spirit my child, we bless you. Grow in conscience, be rooted in good stories, and grow spiritually, for spirit too is a good gift. Bless you, my child. --Ben Keckler 04.30.12

Daily Devotions - Wednesday, April 25

Seasons of Life “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all God’s works.” --Psalm 73: 28 How do you describe the story of your life? A variety of images are available: a tapestry, a song, a narrative, a poem… Whatever description you use it can be helpful to view or review the story of your life. Within our “life-song” we can find that we are experiencing various seasons all the time. For example, examine the theme of loss. Can you identify a loss? If so, what season is it. Or examine the theme of relationships (either human or divine). What season are you experiencing in relationships that are significant to you? The Psalmist today is probably at a spring or summertime experience. There is energy in this verse, a vibrant feeling in the tone of the words. What is going on in your life-song? Are you listening to your life? Maybe nature’s springtime offers you an ideal time to reflect upon the goodness of the day. “And time remembered is grief forgotten And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in the green underwood and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins." --Algernon Charles Swinburne --Ben Keckler 04.25.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 24

Hope “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit that has been given to us.” --From a Letter to believers in Rome What happens when difficult news comes our way? How do we respond? It seems fair to say that life is not as easy as we would like, that challenges are more the standard, that pain is more frequent than we desire. When these times come our way, try spending some moments in quiet reflection, allowing hope to infuse the uncomfortable feelings that are growing in our souls. A number of helpful observations have been preserved over the years about hope. Obviously the quote from Scripture is a good one. Maybe some of these could be helpful as well: “If you do not hope, you will not find what lies beyond your hopes.” --Clement of Alexandria “Hope is the physician of every misery.” --An Irish Proverb “There never was night that had no morn.” --Dinah Maria Mulock Craik “My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” --William Wordsworth “We must never despair; our situation has been compromised before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again.” --George Washington --Ben Keckler 04.24.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, April 23

Garden Spots “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ” --From the Creation stories of Genesis The weekend was filled with natural beauty. The perennials continue to flourish and see if the feeling of springtime is genuine. Those with allergies still are using up more kleenex than they want to! It is good to get out in the yard and experience the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. How wonderful it is to have our little “Gardens of Eden”, to work them and care for them! Now the rhythm of life moves to the workplace where we will be challenged in our work of caregiving. This is another garden spot, a place where we commit ourselves day after day to take care of the diseased and bring them to a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless all of our caregiving. A prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden. --Ben Keckler 04.23.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 18

Joy! Midweek Reflections

“I have told you this, so that my joy may be in you
and your joy may be complete.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John (15:11)

There is so much happening in our world that can rob us of joy. In the hospital setting we treat sickness and disease in people experiencing joyless, painful times. In this global village sad stories about natural disasters and wars decorate the headlines, a saga that is not just decades old, but centuries old.

This verse of Scripture says that complete joy, ecstasy if you will, is a possibility; not just for the mystic within us but a possibility for all who trust the teachings of Jesus. Sounds almost unfathomable, doesn’t it?

“Somehow joy is much harder to express than sadness.
It seems that we have more words for sickness than for health,
more for abnormal conditions than for normal conditions.
Those who live joy-filled lives are always moving away from rigidly
fixed situations and exploring new, unmapped dimensions of reality.
In other words, ‘Joy is always new!
Whereas there can be old pain, old grief, and old sorrow,
there can be no old joy. Old joy is not joy!
Joy is always connected with movement, renewal, rebirth, change—
in short, with life.”
(Quotes are from Lifesigns, Henri Nouwen, p. 85-88)

It’s mid-week!! I wish for you a day that has many moments of joy! May springtime be alive within you, filling you with joy, complete joy and contentment.

--Ben Keckler
04.18.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 17

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Frederick Buechner is an enjoyable, thoughtful writer. The book Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is filled with meaningful insights. In one April meditation he suggests that life itself is trying to tell us something.

“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—
sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered:
the sounds of bumblebees and wind,
of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand,
of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places,
the sound of your own breathing.

“The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”

The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:

“How do I happen to believe in God?
I will give one more answer, which can be stated briefly.
Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots.
After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot.
And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”

Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t new. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today.

--Ben Keckler
04.17.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, April 16

A Prayer from Mother Teresa

Malcolm Muggeridge was inspired to write a book about the work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Something Beautiful for God includes her daily prayer for the Children’s Home in Calcutta.

Jesus My Patient

Dearest Lord,
May I see you today and every day in the person of your sick, and while nursing them, minister unto you.

Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’

Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be monotonous. I will ever find joy in humoring the fancies and gratifying the wishes of all poor sufferers.

O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me, when you personify Christ; and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.

Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience.

And, O God, while you are Jesus, my patient, deign also to be to me a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults, looking only to my intention, which is to love and serve you in the person of each of your sick.

Lord, increase my faith; bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.

Note: Seems to me this prayer is appropriate, with some possible adaptations, across the lines of faith traditions. Have a blessed day in your caregiving.

--Ben Keckler
04.16.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, April 13

The Weekend Approaches

This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.

“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weigh the words I hear
with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”

Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place. And, if you are one of the privileged who can enjoy a weekend away from Hendricks Regional Health, then may your listening ears be well tuned to family and friends as well as the songs of nature!

--Ben Keckler
04.13.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 12

Awareness in the Workplace

This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.

“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”

Divine presence and help is near. I trust that you can find time to mediate on Dr. Phifer’s words, as you strive to maintain a quiet center in your life. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.

--Ben Keckler
04.12.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 11

Awareness in the Workplace

This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.

“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask.
For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”

War and rage continue to be a part of the fabric of our world; we seem accustomed to destruction and devastation -- people continuing to act out the anger within with hands and voices. From the comfort and relative quiet of our surroundings we listen to a world of people shouting at us, trying to say things that are difficult to hear. Here in our workplace the shouting will be muffled, weakened by disease, but still very present. Listen closely today to shouts and screams, softened so much that we can easily miss them. God bless you.

--Ben Keckler
04.11.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 10

Awareness in the Workplace

This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.

“Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears and
voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.”

Have a blessed day as you listen.

--Ben Keckler
04.10.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, April 9

Awareness in the Workplace

This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.

“How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.

“This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.”

Have a meaningful Monday!

--Ben Keckler
04.09.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, April 6

What is Life Teaching You?


One enjoyable writer is Frederick Buechner; Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is very rich and full of meaning. In one meditation he suggests that life is trying to tell us something.

“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing. The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”

The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:

“How do I happen to believe in God? I will give one more answer which can be stated briefly. Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots. After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot. And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”

Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t a new insight. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today. Have a wonderful weekend.

--Ben Keckler
04.06.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 5

Transformation-- What Happens?

The transformation of winter into spring came far too early this year. I can remember shoveling snow in April but I cannot remember mowing my lawn in March! This is a life-giving transformation—barren trees bud; brown grass becomes green; cocoons yield butterflies….the list could go on and on! In addition to the visible transformation observed in nature, often we can sense or feel that inner push for change, for finding the new normal for life.

Transformation is more than just changing. “Trans”, from Latin, means “to move across”. Therefore, I’m suggesting that transformation is a moving of our “formation”. This may make resurrection, that Easter term, a bit more understandable. Here is a way to meditate further on the theme of transformation.

An exercise for understanding: Find a tree that is still in the budding stage and observe the transformation of those buds in the next 6 weeks.

A prayer for today: God of transformation, walk beside me on the roads that lie ahead. Bless my life again by your empowering spirit that makes all things new. In your Holy name, Amen.

--Ben Keckler
04.05.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 4

Flowers and Life

“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness

Last month I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.

• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. This year we bought some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past. Some seed company packaged them and now most of them are several inches tall. I’m just certain they are anxiously awaiting their arrival into the earth where they can grow and bloom, providing us with fresh cut flowers throughout the summer.

• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.

• Today is Wednesday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. Know that a Holy God accompanies you and join me in calling on the name of the Lord.

--Ben Keckler
04.04.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 3

Seeds and Flowers

“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness

Last month, I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives. I really appreciate the lyrics composed by contemporary hymn writer, Natalie Sleeth. This hymn expresses why I believe it is important for every person to spend time with seeds and the soil; to spend time with the rebirth of nature; to spend time in silence with the rhythms of life, death and LIFE.

“In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

“There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

“In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing, in our life eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”

Absorb all the things that God is offering to you this spring. I trust you will have a blessed week.

--Ben Keckler
04.03.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, April 2

Thoughts about Transformation

“The Lord is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever,
And faithfulness to all generations.”
--Lyrics from a Hebrew song (Psalm 100:5)

A saying to consider:
“God is in love with the world and cannot keep it a secret.”
--From a statement of faith, exact source forgotten

I believe this saying and that is no April fool! The secret is clear to me at so many levels. One of the more obvious ways is watching the world turn green in spring. I love driving through Eagle Creek Park on my way to and from work. Bushes that were “dead” twigs one day sport little green leaves today! New life does spring forth all around us.

In the next few weeks I will get to witness one of the more amazing reminders about the divine work of our Creator. I will again see a hummingbird in my back yard enjoying sweet nectar supplied by flowers and artificial sweet “nectar” that I provide. This little one-ounce bird is blessed with the ability to “winter” in Honduras and find its way back to my backyard. AMAZING!

The stories could go on and on. For now, I’m pleased to say again today:
GOD IS IN LOVE WITH THIS WORLD
AND CANNOT KEEP IT A SECRET!

Have a lousy week! (April Fool, the day after)

--Ben Keckler
04.02.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, March 30

Approaching the Weekend

I hope you enjoy this poetic piece by Dostoevsky; it helps encourage me to sing a song of love for everything that surrounds me:

“Love all creation
The whole of it and every grain of sand
Love every leaf
Every ray of God's light
Love the animals
Love the plants
Love everything
If you love everything
You will perceive
The divine mystery in things
And once you have perceived it
You will begint o comprehend it ceaselessly
More and more everyday
And you will at last come to love the whole world
With an abiding universal love.”

--Ben Keckler
03.30.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 29

A Springtime Prayer

How did Native Americans feel about spring? Do we have any clues about their tradition? As we celebrate the beauty of spring, receive this verse from the Chinook SongBook. The Chinook tribe lived in the northwest, in the states we now call Oregon and Washington, extending into Canada. Here is a paraphrase of their springtime prayer:

“May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.

“May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.

“May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”

--Ben Keckler
03.29.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 28

Spring, Welcome Spring

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.”
--Virgil Kraft

February and early March were very kind to us this year. We are experiencing the beauty of transition a bit earlier than normal. Daffodils had their premature emergence in early January and they have already displayed their God-given beauty.

The drab and dirty piles of snow have long disappeared, if there were any this year. There are fewer potholes needing to be repaired! Lawns are rapidly greening reminding us that soon the noise of busy lawn mower engines will return.

It won't take too much longer until we are surrounded by a world teeming with new life. I really like Mr. Kraft's observation, “Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” Enjoy your day.

--Ben Keckler
03.28.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 27

Spring, Welcome Spring

Daffodils and tulips are blooming, perennials are displaying the rhythmic change from dormancy to resurrection, trees will soon have leaves dancing in the wind. This is a season that just breaks forth with life. I received this quote several months ago and felt it was most appropriate for spring, welcome spring:

“When the heart breaks open,
it marks the beginning of a real love affair with this world.
It is a broken-hearted love affair,
rather than the conventional kind based on hope and expectation.
Only in this fearless love that can respond to life's pain
as well as its beauty
can we be of real help to ourselves or anyone else
in this difficult age. ”
--John Welwood

May you emerge this springtime, filled with fearless love and responding to life. Have a blessed day.

--Ben Keckler
03.27.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, March 26

Spring, Welcome Spring

“I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty every day.
And if you can source your own life, from its presence.”
--Oriah

Some months ago a friend introduced me to a writer, an inspirational poet. Oriah's writings speak to our inner core challenging us to pay attention to the Spirit that is present within us, the Spirit that prompts us to honor our feelings.

Spring is a time for budding. As you welcome this season when new life emerges from seemingly dead and lifeless bulbs, plants and trees, I would encourage you to take time and pay attention to the new life that is waiting to emerge from within you.

Not every day will be pretty, but everyday will be filled with Beauty as you stay attentive. Have a good week.

A prayer: Lord, to my heart bring back the springtime! Amen.

--Ben Keckler
03.26.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, March 23

Prayer Thoughts

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord…
The Lord is my strength and my might;
God has become my salvation.”
--Psalm 118:5, 14

Daily we are greeted with unsettling stuff, challenges that are most difficult. Some are close and personal, others are more global. The up close, personal things can grab us and really shake up all the things we are trying to balance. Ken Phifer’s prayer “I Need a Sense of Peace” can be helpful,

“Give me peace, O God, a central peace.
Let me know that at the heart of turbulence
There is the calm that comes from faith in you
That at the core of life
There is great confidence
From which springs forth courage and gladness.
Give me a standing place in life
Wherefrom I may be able to look steadily
Upon the world without panic.
Out of my central peace,
Let there ripple forth concern and compassion,
Indignation at injustice,
And willingness to give of myself
Knowing your spirit is with me.

“May I attain the feeling
That I have touched that central peace,
The peace that abides amid the confusion of life. Amen.”

--Ben Keckler
03.23.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 22

Quiet Centers

“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
From Psalm 23

One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. “Come and Find the Quiet Center” is a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. The last two days we focused on the first two verses of the hymn. Today, verse 3:

“In the Spirit let us travel; open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”

Take a few moments and find the restoration your soul deserves.
Have a great day!

A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
03.22.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 21

Finding our Quiet Center

“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
From Psalm 23

One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. In yesterday’s devotions we focused on the first verse of “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. Today, verse 2:

“Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.”

Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.

A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
03.21.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 20

Our Quiet Center

“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
From Psalm 23

One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject. For the remaining devotions this week we will look at each of the verses from "Come and Find the Quiet Center".

“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”

Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.

A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
03.20.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, March 19

Devotion for Springtime

William Bennett, former Secretary of Education and Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities has edited two wonderful books. The Book of Virtues provides a brief story I’ve chosen for today’s devotion:

“I never can do it,” the little kite said,
As he looked around at the others high over his head.
“I know I should fall if I tried to fly.”
“Try,” said the big kite, “only try!
Or I fear you never will learn at all.”
But the little kite said, “I’m afraid I’ll fall.”

The big kite nodded: “Ah well, goodbye;
I’m off,” and he rose toward the tranquil sky.
Then the little kite’s paper stirred at the sigh,
And trembling he shook himself free for flight.
First whirling and frightened, then braver grown,
Till the big kite looking down could see
The little one rising steadily.

Then how the little kite thrilled with pride,
As he sailed with the big kite side by side!
While far below he could see the ground,
And the bodies like small spots moving round.
They rested high in the quiet air,
And only the birds and the clouds were there.
“Oh, how happy I am!” the little kite cried,
“And all because I was brave, and tried.”

A prayer: God of courage, watch over me today as I take the steps I need to take. Particularly be near me in those unnerving moments when I need to “fly” in unfamiliar territories. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
03.19.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 28

Another Word about Love?

Work is generally challenging and rewarding.

I work in a place where bringing health, healing and life is our primary goal. I work in a place where experiencing death, grief and loss are not supposed to happen, but they do! The reality is I journey with people in every rhythm of the life experience. One wisdom writer said, “there is a time for every season”.

There is one significant opportunity I have working in a care giving institution — the challenge to demonstrate love, care and compassion. Whether in life or in death, I can be a person whose loving spirit lets clients feel loved.

We’ve focused on the theme of love quite a bit this month. Know that you are loved!! “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

--Ben Keckler
02.28.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, February 27

Remembering

Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent several weeks reading and listening to Henri Nouwen and even sitting at the dinner table with him, he feels like a friend, but a better term is “acquaintance.” Henri was walking to work one day and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death, but he did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.

Recently I have been brought to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and hopeful recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:

“The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being ‘better again’ was indeed the best thing for me.”

Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help in understanding the wrestling felt by many. Have a good day, a blessed week and enjoy every minute of life.

--Ben Keckler
02.27.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, February 24

The Roller Coaster Ride

“What is this roller coaster, a nightmare,
Or is it part of my journey from here to there?”

One of the lessons that grief walking teaches us is this: When facing a significant loss or transition (not just a death) in our lives, our emotions generally go for a wild roller coaster ride.

The highs can be identified as happy, glad, joy. The lows can be identified as lonely, sad, mad. At one moment you can feel a high and then suddenly, without warning, the roller coaster dips to an unbelievable low. As you experience the rapid free-fall from high to low you throw your hands in the air, you try to contain your scream but generally give up and let it all out. Or, you grip the safety bar holding you in and everything inside just plain tenses up!

Needless to say, there are some jerky curves along the way as you start another ascent from the pit to yet another high. These reality jerks assure you that you survived the low and that, whether you like it or not, you are alive and are preparing for the next experiences of your roller coaster journey through life.

The rhythm continues until the end comes and a new normal is established.

As I reflect on our life at Hendricks Regional Health, I realize that in part we are in a state of anticipatory grief walking, prepare for a major transition next week. So for today, I will claim that I am anticipating some grief walk and I will brace my emotional self for the lonely, sad, mad part of my roller coaster ride.

Enjoy your weekend and enjoy next week’s roller coaster!

--Ben Keckler
02.24.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 23

A Resource for Troubling Times

Trouble. The word looms large in today’s world – from individual troubles confronting the patients seeking care here, to global troubles confronting the international scene. Trouble. It may even be a big word for your inner being today.

In this increasingly apocalyptic world, it is reassuring to know that fear does not need to dominate our lives. Over the centuries there have been witnesses who have pointed people toward a way of living faithfully “in times of trouble.”
• The Desert Fathers fled to an unpopulated area.
• A Roman aristocrat, Arsenius, heard these words from a sage counselor he consulted, “Flee from the world, be silent and pray always.”

What kind of response is a healthy response in times of trouble?

Try solitude, friends. Take some time to be alone and just meditate, listen to silence. In fact, don’t take time with the chaplain’s devotions or with Sacred Scripture (obviously I do believe both are important)! Take time to listen to the silence and you too will discover the words of the Psalm are true and trustworthy, “Why should I fear…God will ransom my soul and receive me.” Have a good, good day!

--Ben Keckler
02.23.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 22

Where Is the Love?

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Loving our work is so very important. Our work through Hendricks Regional Health is to uplift those who are experiencing “down” moments in their lives. Dr. King reminds us that our work has dignity and importance. He also challenges us or calls us to perform our work with painstaking excellence.

If we allow Divine love to surround us and support us in everything we do in the workplace, then we will radiate a love for our work and we will only perform our tasks with painstaking excellence.

To answer the title question from above, I suggest that the answer is: INSIDE ME/YOU!

--Ben Keckler
02.22.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 21

Where Is the Love?

“The Lord is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever,
And faithfulness to all generations.”
--Lyrics from a Hebrew song (Psalm 100:5)

One of the frequent phrases in Hebrew hymnology is “the steadfast love of the Lord.” These ancient songwriters realized that the Holy One remains steadfast even when we choose to live rather self-centered lives. There is a wonderful book entitled, The Prophet, and in that text the writer observes:

“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.”

Think about the really important gift that our children, our loved ones and our friends really want. My now “grown and on their own children” probably do not want to know my thoughts. If they do, they will ask. In the meantime, my non-ordered tasks are:
1. Assuring them that their father’s deep and endless love faithfully surrounds them and
2. Pointing them toward the “steadfast love of the Lord” that endures forever.

Authentically performing these two tasks is my personal challenge! If you care to “try on” these tasks, feel free to do so.

A prayer for today:
Loving God, may your love flow through me today and always. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
02.21.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, February 20

Where Is the Love?

“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother/sister is born for adversity.”
--Teachings from Wisdom literature (Proverbs 17: 17)

Stopping to think about all the ways people tried to communicate “I love you” last Tuesday would be mind-boggling. That holiday is designed for people to share with one another tangible statements of our affection. I hope you enjoyed the day!

Today is also a good day to express your “I love you” to those who have shaped your life. Spending some time in meditation, remembering family members who have died and family members who are miles and miles away can nurture significant relationships. Spending some time with people you know who are lonely and grieving is another way to deepen the significance of living in community.

Take some quiet time today. Think about friends who are experiencing adverse times and assure them that they are loved. Think about those who have helped in your formation process and allow that old relationship to take on new meaning. Spread the love, from your heart to the hearts of others. As we take that kind of time, we will experience a blessed start to our week! Go for it, friends! Enjoy the day!

--Ben Keckler
02.20.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, February 17

Preparing for the Weekend

Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the great writers and thinkers of the 1800’s. He was a poet and a philosopher, a mystic and an ordained clergyman whose only parish experience was at Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts. I have always treasured many of his insights and want to share this one with you, hoping you will reflect on his words throughout the weekend:

“The whole course of existence goes to teach us faith.
We need only obey.
There is guidance for each of us and by listening we shall hear the right word….
Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom,
A stream that flows into you as life.
Place yourself in the full center of that stream,
then you are without effort
Impelled to truth, to right and to perfect contentment.”

This quote seems worthy of integrating into life! Have a blessed weekend.

--Ben Keckler
02.17.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 16

Just Wonderin’

How would it be if just for today
We thought less about contests and rivalries,
Profits and politics,
Winners and sinners,
And more about helping and giving,
Mending and blending,
Reaching out and pitching in?

How would it be?

--Ben Keckler
02.16.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 15

The Day after Valentine’s Day

“Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead;
I am like something thrown away.”
--An observation by Job (31:12)

One of the books in my library is a book by Malcolm Muggeridge, probably known best for his broadcasts for the British Broadcasting Company. The book is about Mother Teresa, titled Something Beautiful for God. One chapter of the book is a dialogue between them as Muggeridge tries to understand what motivated Mother Teresa and the sisters to compassionately reach out to people who felt a lot like Job felt (see the above quote). Here is what she shared about her work among the poor in Calcutta:

“In these twenty years of work amongst the people,
I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted
That is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.
Nowadays we have found medicine for lepers
and lepers can be cured.
There’s medicine for TB and consumptives can be cured.
For all kinds of diseases there are medicines and cures.
But for being unwanted, except there are willing hands to serve
and there’s a loving heart to love,
I don’t think this terrible disease of unwantedness
can ever be cured.”

Just thought you might want to ponder this quote as you go about life on the day after Valentine’s Day.

--Ben Keckler
02.15.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 14

Competition or Compassion

“May your constant love be with us, Lord,
as we put our hope in you.”
--From an ancient song (Psalm 33:22)

Happy Valentine’s Day

A quote to ponder: “If there is one notion that is central to all great religions it is that of “compassion.” The sacred scriptures of the Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and Christians all speak about God as the God of compassion. In a world in which competition continues to be the dominant mode of relating among people, be it in politics, sports or economics, all true believers proclaim compassion, not competition, as the way of God.”
--Here and Now, p. 98 – Henri Nouwen

May each act of Valentine’s Day 2012 be filled with compassion as you care for self and others!

--Ben Keckler
02.14.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, February 13

Exploring Feelings
Faith Reflections on emotions we experience

“You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance!”
--A line from an ancient Hebrew hymn (30:11)

I just love this line. It tells me that sad and glad are never far apart. We tend to think that a person cannot experience them at the same time. I think you can! Often I spend some very precious moments with families who experience their last moments with another family member. Let me tell you about one of those family experiences that helped me understand that sad and glad are like “heads and tails on a coin.”

Gathered in a room they stood. A woman who had graced this world with her presence for 80 plus years was no longer breathing.

There was sadness. A woman who had graced this world with her presence for 80 plus years was no longer breathing. We cried and told a story or two.

There was gladness. A woman who had graced this world with her presence for 80 plus years was no longer breathing. We smiled and told a story or two.

Both feelings were dancing inside of the family members and they kept “flipping the coin” between sad and glad.

We paused in silence, we prayed, we expressed sad and glad. So, I’d like to submit today that whenever you are glad, make sure you explore the sad side of the coin. AND, whenever you are sad, make sure you look on the glad side. Seems to me it is a pretty good way to journey through life. Have a great week.

--Ben Keckler
02.13.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, February 10

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

The devotions this week are written before “Groundhog Day”. I am pretty certain we will have six more weeks of winter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of midwinter, generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts can prove helpful.

“To achieve great things, two things are needed:
A plan
And not quite enough time.”
--Leonard Bernstein

I would assume the originator of this quote is well known to you. If not go on-line and discover what a talent Mr. Bernstein was. I would write more, but I believe there are some great things that you and I can achieve. If you don’t know what your “great thing” is, use the weekend and develop your plan. If you do know, quit letting me take your time.

Have a blessed weekend.

--Ben Keckler
02.10.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 9

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

This week’s devotions were written before “Groundhog Day”; I am pretty certain we will have six more weeks of winter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of midwinter, generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts at mid-winter can prove helpful.

“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little;
He who would accomplish much must sacrifice much.”
--James Allen

One hundred years ago a pioneer of the self-help movement died. The story of James Allen is a most touching story and I would encourage you to read about him. His father came to America after economic woes forced him to leave England and two days after his arrival he was murdered. James had to quit school and find work. Eventually his industry led him to writing. His best known work is probably As A Man Thinketh.

Meditate on today’s quote. What insights might you gain about self?

--Ben Keckler
02.09.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 8

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

I decided to write the devotions for this week before “Groundhog Day”; I am pretty certain that we will have six more weeks of winter whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of winter, generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts can prove helpful.

“The greatest achievement of the human spirit
is to live up to one’s opportunities and
make the most of one’s resources.”
--Marquis de Vauvenargues

Today’s quote comes from the French writer who died at the far too youthful age of 31. He was encouraged to write by Voltaire, the great French philosopher and commentator on civil liberties. The Marquis’ works were not circulated broadly until 50 years after his death and became well known about a century after his death.

Many would not consider an achievement great unless recognition was given. The Marquis lived up to his opportunities and made the most of what he had, even though recognition of his gifts and contributions was not truly noted until decades later.

The mid-winter questions might be: What opportunities are before you? Can you make better use of your resources?

--Ben Keckler
02.08.11

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 7

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

I decided to write the devotions for this week before “Groundhog Day”; I am pretty certain that we will have six more weeks of winter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of midwinter generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts at mid-winter can prove helpful.

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task;
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.”
--Helen Keller

I have the privilege of watching this quote lived out as I go about my daily work and so do you. Here at our hospital there are some racks that are filled with little 8 page booklets known as Care Notes. Up to 1,000 of those care notes disappear from this hospital each month. Quite a few of you noticed that the racks were quite depleted recently and wondered what had happened.

We have a volunteer who sees her chief duty as making certain the care note racks are full. She needed to be away from us for a little over a month and I chose to let her task remain undone until her return. She believes it is her duty, her calling to serve her community in this way. It may seem like a small task but she does it well and about 1,000 people a month are grateful. Thanks, Mary!

--Ben Keckler
02.07.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, February 6

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

I decided to write the devotions for this week before “Groundhog Day”; I am pretty certain that we will have six more weeks of winter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of midwinter generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts at mid-winter can prove helpful.

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
--Sir Edmund Hillary

Edmund Hillary knew how to conquer mountains. There is something special about going to a high point and observing the world from that vantage point. My wife and I recently began visiting the high points in each state. Do you know where Indiana’s highpoint is?

Edmund Hillary also understood that the toughest mountain to climb is the one where we stand and gaze deep into our inner being, seeking to discover self. When we journey inward and discover the resources of our soul, we can “climb every mountain and ford every stream.” I wish you well on your journey and encourage you to remember the words of a great old spiritual:

“Lord don’t move the mountain, just give me the strength to climb.”

--Ben Keckler
02.06.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, February 3

Prelude to the Super Bowl

I’ve been enjoying Super Bowl week here in Indianapolis. I’m a fan of football but not necessarily the Giants or the Patriots. I am just hoping for a really good game and lots of great press about Indianapolis. I am most impressed by the work that organizers and planners have done to create a welcoming environment for those who arrive for the game.

Each team has some really outstanding players, both teams are in this championship game because they have learned what it means to be a team. The fans and the media try their best to make this game about various individuals but the players are all about their organization, their team.

There are many lessons to be learned from both the planning committee for their significant planning as well as the teams. For now, I am completely content to just dream about the big game and maintaining my belief that a bunch of folks from Indianapolis have worked diligently to show the world that we are NOT “nap-town” any longer.

THANKS INDIANAPOLIS!

--Ben Keckler
02.03.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 2

Prelude to the Super Bowl

25 years ago I spent the Thursday before the Super Bowl getting ready for a big party; at that time I was a Youth Minister at a large church in Lancaster, PA. The youth advisors and I spent the evening getting the games lined up, planned back-up activities in case the game was a blow out and finalized plans for the party.

Super Bowl XXI found the New York Giants battling the Denver Broncos. New York won the game and Phil Simms won the Most Valuable Player award. Does that mean the Giants will win and Eli will be the MVP?

We had a fun evening with the 30 or 40 kids who showed up at the Youth Center. I was exhausted when the evening concluded.

I am going to have a fun evening enjoying the Super Bowl at home. No big party this year! We are planning to have some friends over to enjoy a simple supper as we sit in the family room with a fire in the fireplace and our eyes glued to the TV watching OUR City entertain the watching world.

Here's to a great weekend! Enjoy it whether you are downtown or at home.

--Ben Keckler
02.02.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 1

Prelude to the Super Bowl

This week I'm giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.” We will likely see some gestures or hear some God language during this week. You usually do, especially from the winners.

Back when the Colts won the Super Bowl in 2007, both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy quickly interjected their thoughts about how God played a role in the victory with words like, “I want to give all the glory to God.” It isn’t offensive language for me but it does cause me to wonder:

● Would we have heard the same words in a loss?

● Is God only on the side of the winner?

● What's God got to do with it?

● Is God a micro-manager or a macro-manager or....?

I certainly don't have a problem giving thanks to God! In fact, I think thanksgiving to the Creator is always in order. My challenge comes when language appears to reflect special favoritism being bestowed upon a person, a group of persons or a city of God's people.

I really like the words from one of my fellow chaplains. He shared with me some years ago: “It's all God!” Enjoy these final days and sense the Spirit that is among us.

--Ben Keckler
02.01.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 31

Prelude to the Super Bowl

Five years ago today I wrote the following devotion. While our Colts had a dismal season this year, I think this devotion still has a lesson or two in it. Enjoy!

I was privileged to watch the Patriots/Colts game from home. Don’t get me wrong—I think it would have been phenomenal to be there! The reason I call myself privileged is that I got to see all the post-game interviews LIVE! Rather than sitting in a traffic jam I got to see and hear the first words that Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady shared with the public. Today I want to look at one of Peyton’s comments.

QUESTION: How big was Fletcher’s reception?
ANSWER: It was big.

And then Peyton went on with his little sermon. He shared that the route wasn’t Peyton’s idea, he shared that Fletcher’s route wasn’t the idea of anyone on the coaching staff. He shared that the idea was Fletcher’s idea (he also said he hesitated to say it cause he didn’t want Fletcher to get a big head). What an answer! Peyton didn’t take credit; he gave credit where credit was due. Peyton told us he was a listener. He told us he was willing to take an adventure. He told us that believing and trusting others is important. In this big game he was very willing to listen to others and act on their insights! I’m glad he did.

Peyton taught us a great deal about leadership in that game (there are some other things I could highlight but this is a devotion, not a sermon). Thanks for teaching us that listening is critical for success, Peyton.

Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.

--Ben Keckler
01.31.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, January 30

Prelude to the Super Bowl

Just one week ago (Monday, January 23) some of us dragged ourselves into work. We had stayed up to watch which teams would make their way to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl. Some of us had already figured out that Tom Brady would be using Peyton Manning’s locker at the Colts complex—that’s not right! This week, since we are privileged to host the big event in Indy, I’d like to give some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”

This is my first experience to live in a city where our hometown has hosted the biggest game of the year. I’ve really enjoyed being part of all the football hype, probably because I really love the game of football. I do remember back to 2007, my first experience of the Colts in the Super Bowl. One day I opened my electronic mail and there was one from hospital President Dawes, with a flag waving and two brief words “GO COLTS!” Can’t do that this time but we can go downtown, watch folks on a zip line, and see all the hype first hand.

A big party has come to Indianapolis and we have an opportunity to demonstrate hospitality. So Mr. Brady, enjoy Mr. Manning’s locker and the wonderful complex we have for the Colts to practice. And Mr. Eli Manning, enjoy the locker you have down at University of Indianapolis. Practice well, gentlemen, and have a good Super Bowl experience in Indy!

--Ben Keckler
01.30.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, January 27

Something to Contemplate

Note: This week’s devotions have been designed to help us journey deeper; the thoughts, insights and prayers come from various pens of writers who influence my spiritual awareness. Hope you enjoy!

Some words on poverty from Henri Nouwen
The Road To Daybreak (1988)

“Poverty takes many forms. Whether rich or poor we all experience poverty. .. It is so easy to be swept off one’s own feet by the glitter of the world, seduced by its apparent splendor. Yet, the only place to be authentic is the place of poverty, the place where there is loneliness, anger, confusion, depression and pain.”

BK thought: Next week, we metro Indy folk will be swept off our feet as we host the Super Bowl. Lots of glitter will be apparent. Each person who visits our town possesses a spirit just like ours – longing to be peaceful in the midst of brokenness.

--Ben Keckler
1.27.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 26

Something to Contemplate

Note: This week’s devotions are designed to help us journey deeper; the thoughts, insights and prayers come from various pens of writers who influence my spiritual awareness. Hope you enjoy!

Words on Spiritual Growth from Gerald May
Addiction and Grace (1988)

“…The spiritual growth process involves far more relinquishment than acquisition. We are conditional to expect growth to involve acquisition of new facts and understandings….. We have, in a way, become attached to the very process of expanding our attachments. But spiritual growth is different. It cannot be packaged, programmed or taught. The essential process is one of transformation, not education. …. Contemplation is simply trying to face life in a truly undefended and open-eyed way….”

--Ben Keckler
01.26.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 25

Something to Contemplate

Note: This week’s devotions are designed to help us journey deeper; the thoughts, insights and prayers come from various pens of writers who influence my spiritual awareness. Hope you enjoy!

Some words from Paul Tournier
To Understand Each Other (1976)

“Listen to all the conversations of our world, those between nations as well as those between couples. They are for the most part dialogues of the deaf. Exceedingly few exchanges of viewpoints manifest a real desire to understand the other person….. Here is a great mystery: no one comes to know himself through introspection alone, or in the solitude of a personal diary. If we wish to see ourselves clearly, we must open up to a confidant that we have freely chosen and feel is worthy of such trust.”

--Ben Keckler
01.25.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 24

Something to Contemplate

Note: This week’s devotions are designed to help us journey deeper; the thoughts, insights and prayers come from various pens of writers who influence my spiritual awareness. Hope you enjoy!

Words from an Indonesian sojourner
Penned in 1983

In the depth of silence no words are needed, no language required.
In the depth of silence I am called to listen.

Listen to the beating of your heart.
Listen to the blowing of the wind,
The movement of the Spirit.
Be silent, said the Holy, and know that I am God.

And listen to the cry of the voiceless.
Listen to the groaning of the hungry.
Listen to the pain of the landless.
Listen to the sigh of the oppressed and
to the laughter of the children.

For that is authentic communication;
Listening to people
Living with people
Dying for people.

--Ben Keckler
01.24.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, January 23

Something to Contemplate

Note: This week’s devotions are designed to help us journey deeper; the thoughts, insights and prayers come from various pens of writers who influence my spiritual awareness. Hope you enjoy!

Words from Soren Kierkegaard:

“As my prayers became more attentive and inward,
I had less and less to say.
I finally became completely silent.
I started to listen—which is even further removed from speaking.
I then learned that praying is hearing, not merely being silent.
This is how it is:
to prayer does not mean to listen to oneself speaking.
Prayer involves becoming silent, and being silent,
and waiting until God is heard!”

Have a meaningful week!

--Ben Keckler
01.23.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, January 20

Can You Hear Me Now?

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
but take delight in the Lord,
and God will grant you the desires of your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 37)

NOTE: The series of commercials “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. Today we complete a week of exploring that question as we look at another wireless connection.

Learning to let life come to us can be a challenge. The longer I live, the more I realize that I don’t need to be “doing” nearly as much as I need to be “listening”. When I listen well, many opportunities will come my way. Here is a little teaching that might be helpful as you work on listening to the Holy One.

Our true home is in the present moment
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
To appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us – in the world and in nature –
And peace is within us –
In our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.

This may be a good weekend for practicing!

--Ben Keckler
01.20.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 19

Can You Hear Me Now?

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 37)

NOTE: The series of commercials “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.

Sounds like the writer of the selected verse was having a pretty good faith day, doesn’t it. They seem to say that there is a way to sense God’s voice when the Holy is trying to say: “Can You Hear Me Now?”

Learning to be still before the Lord and to wait patiently for God is the key to discovering joy and happiness. As we practice these virtues we will probably “hear” God pushing us to share in the brokenness of humanity and to reach out to those in need.

Authentic caregiving leaps forth from the souls of people who are practicing stillness, of people who are listening for God.

Building a world filled with peace and justice starts when we stand in solidarity with the broken, the grieving, the aching persons of our global village. “Can you hear me now?” the Holy One asks. Yes, Lord, we are listening.

--Ben Keckler
01.19.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 18

Can You Hear Me Now?

“Give ear to my prayer, O God;
do not hide yourself from my supplication.
Attend to me, and answer me; I am troubled in my complaint.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 55:1, 2)

NOTE: The series of commercials “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.

Today’s opening verses sound like the writer isn’t quite sure if God is paying attention. Truly life is filled with many moments like this. If you listen to some of the ways we talk in our religious circles, it sounds like God is always paying attention and doing exactly what we hope God will do. I encounter a number of people who feel like the person who penned the opening words to Psalm 55. The following prayer expresses what my heart desires and what I pray regularly. Sometimes when I offer this prayer I’m tempted to be the Verizon wireless guy asking, “Can You Hear Me Now?”

God,
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
I pray for peace to fill my heart, this world and our universe.
I pray that we might dream together,
pray together and work together,
Building one world filled with peace and justice for all. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
01.18.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 17

Can You Hear Me Now?

“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 28:1)

NOTE: The series of commercials “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.

Today is going to be a challenging day for this chaplain. A support group for persons trying to emerge after significant deaths in their lives; two counseling sessions with people going through dark times in their lives; visitation requests as per the normal day; and ending with a support group for folks whose world has been forever changed because of suicide. There is a lot on the schedule today and it all looks pretty tough. My insides seem to echo the writer of the old Hebrew psalm. Here is my prayer:

Holy God,
I know you are strong and willing to grant me strength for my day.
Help me to feel your presence and trust that presence
I really do believe for I have felt your amazing grace
Since you already know about the challenges of my day,
forgive me for checking but,
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Trusting.
Amen.

--Ben Keckler
01.17.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, January 16

Can You Hear Me Now?

“How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 13:1)

NOTE: The series of commercials, “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.

Some years ago, Dan Rather interviewed Mother Teresa. My paraphrase of that interview follows:

Rather: “So what do you say when you pray to God?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing, I just listen.”

Struggling quickly to come up with the next question, probably believing that the answer would be longer,

Rather: “Well, what does God say to you?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing. He just listens too!”

The Psalmist was feeling silence from the Divine and could keep quiet no longer. The three quick questions that begin this devotional seem to cry out, “Can you hear me now?”

Sometimes prayer is like that.

--Ben Keckler
01.16.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, January 13

A New Year Dawns

“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)

This week’s devotions have been a small tribute to Henri Nouwen, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God. Henri was one of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century.

Let me finish this week of devotions with an observation made by Henri Nouwen more than two decades ago: “New ways must be found for nations to lift up their unity in global celebration and praise to the Creator in ecstatic, joyful song. Most people despair that such a peace is possible. They cling to old ways and prefer the security offered by preparing for war to the insecurity of taking risks for peace. But the few who dare to sing a new song of peace are the new St. Francises of our time. They offer a glimpse of a new order that is being born out of the ruin of the old. The world is waiting for new saints, ecstatic men and women who are so deeply rooted in the love of God that they are free to envision a new international order – where justice reigns and war is no longer the preferred way to solve conflicts among nations.”

A big task for a new year? Yes indeed. God be with this world.

--Ben Keckler
01.13.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 12

A New Year Dawns

“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)

Henri Nouwen was one of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century. I was privileged to attend some of his presentations. He was an inspiration. Devotions this week have been a small tribute to Henri, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God.

As the New Year continues to unfold, I’d like to share this parable from Henri, written over a quarter of a century ago:

“Once there was a people who surveyed the resources of the world and said to each other: “How can we be sure that we will have enough in hard times? We want to survive whatever happens. Let us start collecting food, materials and knowledge so that we are safe and secure when a crisis occurs.” So they started hoarding, so much and so eagerly that other peoples protested and said: “You have much more than you need, while we don’t have enough to survive. Give us part of your wealth!” But the fearful hoarders said, “No, no, we need to keep this in case of an emergency, in case things go bad for us, too, in case our lives are threatened.” But the others said: “We are dying NOW, please give us food and materials and knowledge to survive. We can’t wait… we need it now!” Then the fearful hoarders became ever more fearful since they became afraid that the poor and hungry would attack them. So they said to one another: “Let us build walls around our wealth so that no stranger can take it from us.” They started erecting walls so high they could not even see anymore whether there were enemies outside the walls or not! As their fear increased they told each other: “Our enemies have become so numerous that they may be able to tear down our walls. Our walls are not strong enough to keep them away. We need to put bombs on top of the walls so that nobody will dare to even come close to us.” But instead of feeling safe and secure behind their armed walls they found themselves trapped in the prison they had built with their own fear. They even became afraid of their own bombs, wondering if they might harm themselves more than their enemy. And gradually they realized their fear of death had brought them closer to it.”

Something to pray through this year, I believe.

--Ben Keckler
01.12.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 11

A New Year Dawns

“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)

NOTE: Henri Nouwen was one of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century. This week’s devotions are a small tribute to Henri, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God.

We have arrived at the middle of the second full week in the New Year. Today I would like to challenge us to think about the tensions between curing and caregiving. A person comes to us not feeling well. They obviously want to feel better than they do. What is our role?

I would think that the obvious answer is that we would find a way to “cure” them. How might this curing be accomplished? Most generally we do this through listening. A stethoscope is a great instrument; while I am not skilled in using one, I’ve been privileged to have trained persons tell me about the things they hear. Another way we cure is through observing. A tongue depressor or an otoscope can be helpful instruments, allowing persons to gather information for possible cure. The reality is that the presenting person appears to be seeking “health” and is looking for something to help them as soon as possible. Allow Henri to offer an additional insight:

“When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares.”

--Ben Keckler
01.11.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 10

A New Year Dawns

“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)

NOTE: One of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century was Henri Nouwen. This week’s devotions are a small tribute to Henri, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God.

As we begin a new year, I would pray that we would begin the year with hope. Here is a story that Henri liked to tell about the meaning of compassion. I use it today as a reminder about our commitment to offer quality, compassionate care.

“Once there was a very old man who used to meditate early every morning under a large tree on the bank of the Ganges River in India. One morning, having finished his meditation, the old man opened his eyes and saw a scorpion floating helplessly in the strong current of the river. As the scorpion was pulled close to the tree, it got caught in the long tree roots that branched out far into the river. The scorpion struggled frantically to free itself but got more and more entangled in the complex network of the tree roots.

“When the old man saw this he immediately stretched himself onto the extended roots and reached out to rescue the drowning scorpion. But as soon as he touched it, the animal jerked and stung him wildly. Instinctively, the man withdrew his hand, but then, after having regained his balance, he once again stretched himself out along the roots to save the agonized scorpion. But every time the old man came within reach, the scorpion stung him so badly with its poisonous tail that his hands became swollen and bloody and his face distorted by pain.

“At that moment, a passerby saw the old man stretched out on the roots struggling with the scorpion and shouted: ‘Hey, stupid old man, what’s wrong with you? Only a fool risks his life for the sake of an ugly, useless creature. Don’t you know that you may kill yourself to save that ungrateful animal?’

“Slowly the old man turned his head, and looking calmly in the stranger’s eyes, he said: “Friend, because it is the nature of the scorpion to sting, why should I give up my own nature to save?”

--Ben Keckler
01.10.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, January 9

A New Year Dawns

“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)

NOTE: One of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century was Henri Nouwen. I was privileged to attend several of his presentations on my personal journey. This week’s devotions are a small tribute to Henri, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God.

As we begin a new year, I would pray that we would begin the year with hope. There is trouble all around us and it takes many different forms. Where is the message of hope? Where is God?

Within our health care system several hundred people will be treated today. For some the news will be routine, for others the news may be quite unexpected. Where is the message of hope? Where is God?

Henri writes, “God is ‘beyond’, beyond our heart and mind, beyond our feelings and thoughts, beyond our expectations and desires, and beyond all the events and experiences that make up our life. Still God is also in the center of all of it. Here we touch the heart of prayer since here it comes manifest that in prayer the distinction between God’s presence and absence cannot be distinguished. … When God chose to share our own most painful experience of divine absence, God became most present to us. It is into this mystery that we enter when we pray.”

--Ben Keckler
01.09.12

Daily Devotion - Friday, January 6

Toward a New Dawn

Friends,
2% of 2012 will be history at the end of the day. I trust that this prayer will help each of us to utilize the rest of the year wisely.

“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
To predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow
And of all my desires to exercise control of others.

“Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of tomorrow
are only related to my unfounded fear of You.

“Help me to be still; help me listen and love.

“Let me feel Your Freedom within me,
And let me laugh at the illusions that my ego
once made me feel were so real.
Let me be the Light; let me be joy; let me know that
I am
The reflection of You wherever I am,
And wherever I go."
--Gerald G. Jampolsky

--Ben Keckler
01.06.12

Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 5

Toward A New Dawn

Friends:
I believe these words, when understood and practiced, can lead each of us to an even better place in 2012.

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t compromises
and presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child.
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to buy you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn. And you learn.
With every difficulty or failure, you learn.
Anonymous

--Ben Keckler
01.05.12

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 4

Toward A New Dawn

Friends:
I find this prayer by Jennie Butler to be filled with insight as a new year begins. Enjoy meditating with these strong images today.

“Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless,
let me not ignore the pet without a home;

“As I ask for protection for those in areas of turmoil and unrest,
let me not forget endangered species of life;

“When I pray that the hungry be fed,
let me be mindful that all God’s creatures have need of sustenance;

“As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted by fire,
flood, earthquake, storm or drought,
let me remember that this includes every living thing;

“In seeking miracle cures for human disease,
may I also speak for the well being of the planet itself.

“Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart
and the actions of my life be as one,
that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth.
Amen.”
Jennie Frost Butler

--Ben Keckler
01.04.12

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 3

Toward a New Dawn

Friends:
I find this powerful observation meaningful for launching into a new year. I trust that you can find time to meditate with these words.

“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.

“A joy, a depression, a mean-ness,
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

“Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
The Holy One may be clearing you out for some new delight.

“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.”
--Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks

--Ben Keckler
01.03.12

Daily Devotion - Monday, January 2

A New Year Begins


Creator of all that was, is and what is yet to be,
Holy Presence that knows about our chaos and conflict,
Instill within people a spirit of peace and a desire for understanding.
Amen.

--Ben Keckler
01.02.12