New Voices
“May God be gracious to us and bless us,
may the face of the Lord shine upon us
and all the ends of the earth will honor our God.”
--From a Psalm of God’s people,
Chapter 67, selected verses
God’s grace comes to us in a variety of ways. As new opportunities come our way, we gain new understanding about the awesome nature of God’s holy presence among us. Recently I’ve been listening to a new voice. From this new voice I am finding, enjoying, and learning more about the graciousness of God.
This voice is a new associate at the hospital. When we have a new person on staff, in our organization or in our neighborhood, it is important for us to welcome and integrate them into our community. As the new people with their hopes, dreams and goals blend with the “seasoned” group or neighborhood, we all discover God gracing us and blessing us in refreshing ways.
Have you noticed the face of the Lord shining on you recently?
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to be ever aware of new voices in our lives. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.09
Showing posts with label New friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New friends. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 15
Reflections From My Travels
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
On the second full day in Rwanda we visited Village of Hope, a part of the Rwanda Women's Network to promote and improve the socio-economic welfare of Rwandan women. They have a simple store where we had opportunity to purchase goods they had made. I found a tablecloth with matching place mats, coasters, an oven mit, apron and clothing. I decided to purchase it for a minimal price. When one of the women saw my decision she came to me with tears in her eyes and, through a translator, let me know that she was going to make more money that day than she had in two months. Cost: $22.
I don't think I'll ever forget that “hello-goodbye-hello” moment. Today as caregivers we will again discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.15.08
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified
for the Lord your God goes with you and
will never leave or forsake you.”
--Moses to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
“We must learn to let go as easily as we grasp
or we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Though every hello is the beginning of a goodbye, do not lose heart;
for every goodbye may also be the beginning of another hello.”
Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 63
On the second full day in Rwanda we visited Village of Hope, a part of the Rwanda Women's Network to promote and improve the socio-economic welfare of Rwandan women. They have a simple store where we had opportunity to purchase goods they had made. I found a tablecloth with matching place mats, coasters, an oven mit, apron and clothing. I decided to purchase it for a minimal price. When one of the women saw my decision she came to me with tears in her eyes and, through a translator, let me know that she was going to make more money that day than she had in two months. Cost: $22.
I don't think I'll ever forget that “hello-goodbye-hello” moment. Today as caregivers we will again discover the “hello-goodbye-hello” saga. Enjoy gaining all you can from every encounter with another person of God’s creation.
A prayer: God, keep me receptive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.15.08
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 8
A New Piece for My Puzzle
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today, another story from my journey to Rwanda, Africa:
It had been a long time since I had a traveling experience with a roommate. A lot of feelings ran through my insides as I prepared for a ten day trip half way around the world with a person I'd never met. I was paired with a psychiatrist (guess the planning group knew me pretty well). What a phenomenal experience!
Steve is from Utah. For many years his work focused on Native American tribes in the state. He has worked hard and continues his quest to find the pieces of life's puzzle. Each night as we talked through the day's experiences, we explored difficult questions well into the early morning hours. We are still wrestling with those difficult questions weeks after the trip. I am privileged to have a new friend who enjoys each piece of puzzle integration. Have a meaningful day with YOUR puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.08.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today, another story from my journey to Rwanda, Africa:
It had been a long time since I had a traveling experience with a roommate. A lot of feelings ran through my insides as I prepared for a ten day trip half way around the world with a person I'd never met. I was paired with a psychiatrist (guess the planning group knew me pretty well). What a phenomenal experience!
Steve is from Utah. For many years his work focused on Native American tribes in the state. He has worked hard and continues his quest to find the pieces of life's puzzle. Each night as we talked through the day's experiences, we explored difficult questions well into the early morning hours. We are still wrestling with those difficult questions weeks after the trip. I am privileged to have a new friend who enjoys each piece of puzzle integration. Have a meaningful day with YOUR puzzle!
Ben Keckler
10.08.08
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, October 7
Some Pieces for my Puzzle
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today a story from my wonderful journey to Rwanda, Africa, where I found some additional pieces of life's jigsaw puzzle.
On August 15, I arrived at the appointed Dulles Airport terminal for my People to People Citizen Ambassador trip. During the next two hours people from the delegation began to arrive wearing their lanyard identifications. Professors, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, teachers, social workers, counselors; 24 professionals were getting acquainted and telling their stories. This was a time for building new relationships and forging a focus group to examine Mental Health and Social Services in post-genocidal Rwanda. Clearly, I was about to experience a life shaping event with some marvelous people.
Ten days later I arrived back at Dulles Airport, returning from Rwanda. I had grown to know 23 other persons, I learned from them and with them. I feel as though my jigsaw puzzle is more complete. Enjoy your encounters today!
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.07.08
“He asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)
“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person
is to lose the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35
Today a story from my wonderful journey to Rwanda, Africa, where I found some additional pieces of life's jigsaw puzzle.
On August 15, I arrived at the appointed Dulles Airport terminal for my People to People Citizen Ambassador trip. During the next two hours people from the delegation began to arrive wearing their lanyard identifications. Professors, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, teachers, social workers, counselors; 24 professionals were getting acquainted and telling their stories. This was a time for building new relationships and forging a focus group to examine Mental Health and Social Services in post-genocidal Rwanda. Clearly, I was about to experience a life shaping event with some marvelous people.
Ten days later I arrived back at Dulles Airport, returning from Rwanda. I had grown to know 23 other persons, I learned from them and with them. I feel as though my jigsaw puzzle is more complete. Enjoy your encounters today!
A prayer: As I work on my puzzle, show me the people I need to encounter. Amen.
Ben Keckler
10.07.08
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