Our Garden of Eden
“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 asparagus grew, the perennials continued to grow and see if the feeling of springtime is genuine. Here in the Indianapolis area those with allergies used up more Kleenex than they wanted to and hopefully are feeling some relief after some much needed rainfall. It was 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 and care for!
The rhythm of life in our chosen workplaces can be another garden spot. I'm privileged to work in a place where associates commit themselves day after day to care for patients needing the care that can bring them to a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless you in your workplace.
A prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden.
--Ben Keckler
04.28.10
Showing posts with label Caring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caring. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday,January 29
Refuge and Strength
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
--Psalm 46: 1
This song can be helpful when the perceived pressures of the day appear to be more than we can bear. Take time with Psalm 46 today and with the following prayer for healing:
“God of All, you have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections. And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us, as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing. You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body. May we, as your servant people, realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human caring into a healing balm for the aching soul. Like us, many are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose and meaning in our lives. May we come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we. And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created, to serve you realizing that, as you said in your word, “The kingdom of God is within us.”
A prayer for today: God of life, teach me stillness so that I can know strength. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.29.10
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
--Psalm 46: 1
This song can be helpful when the perceived pressures of the day appear to be more than we can bear. Take time with Psalm 46 today and with the following prayer for healing:
“God of All, you have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections. And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us, as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing. You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body. May we, as your servant people, realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human caring into a healing balm for the aching soul. Like us, many are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose and meaning in our lives. May we come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we. And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created, to serve you realizing that, as you said in your word, “The kingdom of God is within us.”
A prayer for today: God of life, teach me stillness so that I can know strength. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.29.10
Monday, September 7, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 7
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions: water and waterfalls.
Six years ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We also walked up the streets within the Edinburgh Castle. We visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was, and still is, rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Having heard the rushing water making its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descending in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that we can care for others in our variety of ways that will provide a waterfall of healing graces in their lives. Compassionate care gives people the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
Prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.09
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise
Psalm 8
This week we have a specific focus for our devotions: water and waterfalls.
Six years ago I was privileged to see a part of the earth I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We also walked up the streets within the Edinburgh Castle. We visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was, and still is, rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Having heard the rushing water making its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descending in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that we can care for others in our variety of ways that will provide a waterfall of healing graces in their lives. Compassionate care gives people the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
Prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of care bring the restoring, healing touch that others need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.09
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, December 18
Bereavement Groups
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
During the past years, a large portion of my chaplaincy work has centered on the development of Bereavement Groups. As we approach this holiday season, I just have to take a moment or two and tell you that I’ve witnessed some very awesome things as people share their grief and pain with one another. Children, youth and adults of all ages have covenanted to work through their grief and loss.
While many in our society are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded grievers are trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I see, if you could hear what I hear, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season comes to us and reminds us that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people. God is bringing the gift of peace among us. Yes, we can look back to a historic event. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people as they work through their tough, tough times together. May you have enough of what you need to find peace and live in peace.
A prayer: Holy God, be near me today and always I pray. Amen.
Ben Keckler
12.18.08
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
During the past years, a large portion of my chaplaincy work has centered on the development of Bereavement Groups. As we approach this holiday season, I just have to take a moment or two and tell you that I’ve witnessed some very awesome things as people share their grief and pain with one another. Children, youth and adults of all ages have covenanted to work through their grief and loss.
While many in our society are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded grievers are trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I see, if you could hear what I hear, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season comes to us and reminds us that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people. God is bringing the gift of peace among us. Yes, we can look back to a historic event. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people as they work through their tough, tough times together. May you have enough of what you need to find peace and live in peace.
A prayer: Holy God, be near me today and always I pray. Amen.
Ben Keckler
12.18.08
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