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
Showing posts with label Henri Nouwen quote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henri Nouwen quote. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 27, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 13, 2012
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
“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
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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
“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
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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
“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
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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
“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
Monday, January 9, 2012
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
“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
Monday, November 7, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 7
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• In the past several weeks, I’ve encountered too many associates who are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level.
• Added to that I’ve visited with too many families who are flooded by the torrential rains that are sweeping through their lives.
• Added to that I’ve watched natural disaster after natural disaster reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature.
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permit sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections find your spirit wrestling with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.07.11
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
We begin another week and it feels like it is time to explore one of life’s difficult dilemmas. Is God present or absent?
• In the past several weeks, I’ve encountered too many associates who are dealing with life shattering experiences at a personal level.
• Added to that I’ve visited with too many families who are flooded by the torrential rains that are sweeping through their lives.
• Added to that I’ve watched natural disaster after natural disaster reap devastation upon masses of people who were not prepared for violent acts of nature.
“The problems of life often overwhelm us. The concreteness and immediacy of present misery seldom permit sufficient distance to see and experience a larger presence,” wrote Henri Nouwen in 1989.
As we begin this week, I want to challenge you to be attentive. Be attentive to the moments when you feel the absence of God and to the moments when you feel the presence of God. May your experiences and your reflections find your spirit wrestling with this difficult dilemma of life.
--Ben Keckler
11.07.11
Friday, July 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 15
Forget the Past?
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. Leaving the past in the past is a universal teaching that is stated in various ways in every major religion. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “if only” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.15.11
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. Leaving the past in the past is a universal teaching that is stated in various ways in every major religion. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “if only” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.15.11
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 13
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. Here in the hospital we treat sickness and disease in people experiencing joyless, painful times. In this global village, sad stories about natural disasters and international fragmentation 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; for the cynic, the faith-filled and the mystic. 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.
A prayer for today: God of joy, may I find you in new ways—small or great. Be before me, beneath me, over me, behind me, within me. In your name, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.13.11
“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. Here in the hospital we treat sickness and disease in people experiencing joyless, painful times. In this global village, sad stories about natural disasters and international fragmentation 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; for the cynic, the faith-filled and the mystic. 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.
A prayer for today: God of joy, may I find you in new ways—small or great. Be before me, beneath me, over me, behind me, within me. In your name, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.13.11
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 2
Worthy of Consideration?
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,
When shall I come and behold the face of God?”
--An old song (Psalm 42:2)
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Recently we had a series of devotions centering on Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. One day Henri was walking to work and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death. He did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and 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 what it feels the songwriter was wrestling with centuries ago. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
--Ben Keckler
03.02.11
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,
When shall I come and behold the face of God?”
--An old song (Psalm 42:2)
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Recently we had a series of devotions centering on Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. One day Henri was walking to work and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death. He did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and 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 what it feels the songwriter was wrestling with centuries ago. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
--Ben Keckler
03.02.11
Friday, February 25, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, February 25
This is the Moment
This is the last devotion for this week using Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, as our “textbook”. I hope you have gained some insights from these devotions.
“Moments of true compassion will remain engraved
on our hearts as long as we live.
Often these are moments without words:
moments of deep silence.”
Noise, noise, noise. Everywhere there is noise. I remember a young man who felt totally abandoned one day back in the early 1980s. As he described it, he thought he was going crazy and his body started shaking out of control. He started crying, then screaming, then pounding the walls with his fists and then his feet. He had to be placed in isolation. It was a scary time for him and an equally scary time for several of us who just stayed there with him. We didn't say anything, we were just there with him. A couple of hours later, he calmed down. We simply sat on the floor with him, gave him some water and said nothing. Simple silence. Safe silence.
He began to get better in the weeks that followed. He said what helped him was that we stayed with him and didn't say anything. The friendship grew immensely. I'm glad we were silent. Who do you need to just spend some time with this weekend? Enjoy each moment as you practice compassionate care with other important participants on the life journey.
--Ben Keckler
02.25.11
This is the last devotion for this week using Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, as our “textbook”. I hope you have gained some insights from these devotions.
“Moments of true compassion will remain engraved
on our hearts as long as we live.
Often these are moments without words:
moments of deep silence.”
Noise, noise, noise. Everywhere there is noise. I remember a young man who felt totally abandoned one day back in the early 1980s. As he described it, he thought he was going crazy and his body started shaking out of control. He started crying, then screaming, then pounding the walls with his fists and then his feet. He had to be placed in isolation. It was a scary time for him and an equally scary time for several of us who just stayed there with him. We didn't say anything, we were just there with him. A couple of hours later, he calmed down. We simply sat on the floor with him, gave him some water and said nothing. Simple silence. Safe silence.
He began to get better in the weeks that followed. He said what helped him was that we stayed with him and didn't say anything. The friendship grew immensely. I'm glad we were silent. Who do you need to just spend some time with this weekend? Enjoy each moment as you practice compassionate care with other important participants on the life journey.
--Ben Keckler
02.25.11
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 24
This is the Moment
Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, is serving as our “textbook” for this week’s devotional thoughts. Dr. Nouwen has many excellent writings. He has been a mentor to me through his writings and my participation at two seminars where he was the keynote speaker.
“Do you have a clear goal in life? The athletes whose clear goal
is the attainment of the Olympic gold are willing
to let everything else become secondary.
The way they eat, sleep, study and train
are all determined by that one clear goal.”
Disciplined living is very difficult. We are surrounded by so many possibilities that it is hard to focus on what are goal is. Another way of saying this might be, “What is your passion?” Once a person has absolute clarity about their goal or passion, the puzzle of life will fall into place.
Listening each week to nearly one hundred grieving persons (some individually and many in group) I hear many things. One thing I hear time and time again is: “I don't know what I am supposed to be doing now.” The gray cloud of grief, loss and transition that hovers over us in our difficult times seems to leave us feeling lost in the wilderness. Discovering your passion, defining your goal is critical.
How? Reading helps, even if you don't feel you are comprehending. Listening to your “soul” helps. Turning off the music, the TV, the radio and just living with silence helps. A healthy diet and a good night's rest help. The cloud will lift and a clear, probably demanding, goal will emerge. Developing these practices for each and every moment are necessary if you want to experience joy. Why not take this moment to develop your disciplines?
--Ben Keckler
02.24.11
Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, is serving as our “textbook” for this week’s devotional thoughts. Dr. Nouwen has many excellent writings. He has been a mentor to me through his writings and my participation at two seminars where he was the keynote speaker.
“Do you have a clear goal in life? The athletes whose clear goal
is the attainment of the Olympic gold are willing
to let everything else become secondary.
The way they eat, sleep, study and train
are all determined by that one clear goal.”
Disciplined living is very difficult. We are surrounded by so many possibilities that it is hard to focus on what are goal is. Another way of saying this might be, “What is your passion?” Once a person has absolute clarity about their goal or passion, the puzzle of life will fall into place.
Listening each week to nearly one hundred grieving persons (some individually and many in group) I hear many things. One thing I hear time and time again is: “I don't know what I am supposed to be doing now.” The gray cloud of grief, loss and transition that hovers over us in our difficult times seems to leave us feeling lost in the wilderness. Discovering your passion, defining your goal is critical.
How? Reading helps, even if you don't feel you are comprehending. Listening to your “soul” helps. Turning off the music, the TV, the radio and just living with silence helps. A healthy diet and a good night's rest help. The cloud will lift and a clear, probably demanding, goal will emerge. Developing these practices for each and every moment are necessary if you want to experience joy. Why not take this moment to develop your disciplines?
--Ben Keckler
02.24.11
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 23
This is the Moment
We continue the week’s devotions using Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. His writings and lectures have been a great learning experience for me.
“So much of our pain remains hidden. When we feel lonely,
do we go to someone we trust and say:
'I am lonely. I need your support and company.'
When we feel anxious, sexually needy, angry or bitter,
do we dare to ask a friend to be with us and receive our pain?”
This devotion is a tough one. Our culture tends to push us towards a journey through life's tough times in isolation. We shy away from expressing our suffering and pain outwardly. Recently I was in communication with a person who asked about joining a support group for their pain. They wrote, “I am just mad at myself for staying isolated and insisting I continue to try and change myself for three years.” That expression is how we tend to be.
I remember when I was inspired to write the book Incredibly Lonely, That's Me. I specifically asked the nine year old girl what emotion she was having the most trouble with as she worked through the pain of her sister's death. She identified her pain as “lonely”. Because she stepped out of her isolation and let a friend help her, she has discovered a sense of joy amid the pain. And... her story is now helping thousands across the North American continent. Pretty cool!
I am grateful that Melissa was willing to live in this moment!
--Ben Keckler
02.23.11
We continue the week’s devotions using Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. His writings and lectures have been a great learning experience for me.
“So much of our pain remains hidden. When we feel lonely,
do we go to someone we trust and say:
'I am lonely. I need your support and company.'
When we feel anxious, sexually needy, angry or bitter,
do we dare to ask a friend to be with us and receive our pain?”
This devotion is a tough one. Our culture tends to push us towards a journey through life's tough times in isolation. We shy away from expressing our suffering and pain outwardly. Recently I was in communication with a person who asked about joining a support group for their pain. They wrote, “I am just mad at myself for staying isolated and insisting I continue to try and change myself for three years.” That expression is how we tend to be.
I remember when I was inspired to write the book Incredibly Lonely, That's Me. I specifically asked the nine year old girl what emotion she was having the most trouble with as she worked through the pain of her sister's death. She identified her pain as “lonely”. Because she stepped out of her isolation and let a friend help her, she has discovered a sense of joy amid the pain. And... her story is now helping thousands across the North American continent. Pretty cool!
I am grateful that Melissa was willing to live in this moment!
--Ben Keckler
02.23.11
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 22
This is the Moment
This week Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, is serving as the “textbook” for our devotional thoughts. While most of his mentoring came to me through his writings, I was privileged to participate in two seminars where he was the keynote speaker. They were wonderful experiences.
“We are inclined to think that when we are sad we cannot be glad, but in the life of a God-centered person, sorrow (all other emotions, too) and joy can exist together. That isn't easy to understand...”
Today is a good day to learn about joy. Joy is an attitude. Joy is not an emotion. Mad, glad and sad are emotions (one person authored a book listing and describing about 365 different emotions). Joy is an attitude we choose to keep developing and nurturing when we experience those moments when our emotions are “a bit out of balance.” We cannot choose our emotions, but we can choose our attitude.
A little example might help: Have you ever noticed how some people feel bitter about a particular life event while other people feel excited about the same event? One person has cultivated an attitude of resentment, the other an attitude of joy. Every moment in life presents us with opportunity to cultivate an attitude of joy. So today, whatever emotion comes your way (mad, glad or sad), I challenge you to express your emotion and examine how you can cultivate a spirit of joy. Honestly, I've discovered joy in every moment by believing that “nothing in all creation can separate me from the love of God.”
Enjoy each moment today.
--Ben Keckler
02.22.11
This week Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now, is serving as the “textbook” for our devotional thoughts. While most of his mentoring came to me through his writings, I was privileged to participate in two seminars where he was the keynote speaker. They were wonderful experiences.
“We are inclined to think that when we are sad we cannot be glad, but in the life of a God-centered person, sorrow (all other emotions, too) and joy can exist together. That isn't easy to understand...”
Today is a good day to learn about joy. Joy is an attitude. Joy is not an emotion. Mad, glad and sad are emotions (one person authored a book listing and describing about 365 different emotions). Joy is an attitude we choose to keep developing and nurturing when we experience those moments when our emotions are “a bit out of balance.” We cannot choose our emotions, but we can choose our attitude.
A little example might help: Have you ever noticed how some people feel bitter about a particular life event while other people feel excited about the same event? One person has cultivated an attitude of resentment, the other an attitude of joy. Every moment in life presents us with opportunity to cultivate an attitude of joy. So today, whatever emotion comes your way (mad, glad or sad), I challenge you to express your emotion and examine how you can cultivate a spirit of joy. Honestly, I've discovered joy in every moment by believing that “nothing in all creation can separate me from the love of God.”
Enjoy each moment today.
--Ben Keckler
02.22.11
Monday, February 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 21
This is the Moment
A mentor of mine was Dr. Henri Nouwen. While the majority of the mentoring came through his writings, I was privileged to participate in two seminars where he was the keynote speaker and had the pleasure having meals with him. I felt like I had been invited to the captain's table for dinner while enjoying a cruise! This week his book, Here and Now, serves as the “textbook” for our devotional thoughts.
“A new beginning! We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes, each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new.”
As a person who listens to the stories of people trying to make sense of life's tough travels, it is very clear to me that most of us get stuck in the past, stuck trying to accept that the past is over and done, stuck struggling to forgive ourselves, stuck refusing to believe that THIS MOMENT is the only moment I really have to make a difference.
Learning to open our minds and our hearts to the inner prompting we truly can feel, learning to listen to that prompting, learning to trust that prompting we can discover the splendor that is available to us each and every moment. This is YOUR moment – enjoy it!
--Ben Keckler
02.21.11
A mentor of mine was Dr. Henri Nouwen. While the majority of the mentoring came through his writings, I was privileged to participate in two seminars where he was the keynote speaker and had the pleasure having meals with him. I felt like I had been invited to the captain's table for dinner while enjoying a cruise! This week his book, Here and Now, serves as the “textbook” for our devotional thoughts.
“A new beginning! We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes, each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new.”
As a person who listens to the stories of people trying to make sense of life's tough travels, it is very clear to me that most of us get stuck in the past, stuck trying to accept that the past is over and done, stuck struggling to forgive ourselves, stuck refusing to believe that THIS MOMENT is the only moment I really have to make a difference.
Learning to open our minds and our hearts to the inner prompting we truly can feel, learning to listen to that prompting, learning to trust that prompting we can discover the splendor that is available to us each and every moment. This is YOUR moment – enjoy it!
--Ben Keckler
02.21.11
Friday, February 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, February 25
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Dr. Henri Nouwen, a renowned priest, caregiver and writer, was in an accident several years before his death. It took him to the very door of death. He wrote a book reflecting on his experience, Beyond the Mirror. It is a short book and worthy of your reading. In the chapter that deals with his recovery he writes:
“When I awoke from my operation and realized that I was not yet
in God’s house but still alive in the world, I had an immediate
perception of being sent: sent to make the all-embracing love
of the Father known to people who hunger and thirst for love,
but often look for it within a world where it cannot be found.”
Henri fully recovered and went on to conduct many seminars around the world, two of which I was most privileged to attend. This “all-embracing love”, as he calls it, is something he shared daily. Life presents us with fragmentation, separation and pain. Through loving, caring actions we can help that “all-embracing love” to be experienced.
Have a blessed day of caregiving and a wonderful weekend experiencing renewing energy, crowned by God's “all-embracing love.”
--Ben Keckler
02.18.11
Dr. Henri Nouwen, a renowned priest, caregiver and writer, was in an accident several years before his death. It took him to the very door of death. He wrote a book reflecting on his experience, Beyond the Mirror. It is a short book and worthy of your reading. In the chapter that deals with his recovery he writes:
“When I awoke from my operation and realized that I was not yet
in God’s house but still alive in the world, I had an immediate
perception of being sent: sent to make the all-embracing love
of the Father known to people who hunger and thirst for love,
but often look for it within a world where it cannot be found.”
Henri fully recovered and went on to conduct many seminars around the world, two of which I was most privileged to attend. This “all-embracing love”, as he calls it, is something he shared daily. Life presents us with fragmentation, separation and pain. Through loving, caring actions we can help that “all-embracing love” to be experienced.
Have a blessed day of caregiving and a wonderful weekend experiencing renewing energy, crowned by God's “all-embracing love.”
--Ben Keckler
02.18.11
Monday, February 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 14
Reflections about Compassion
Happy Valentine’s Day
“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 a 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.”
--Henri Nouwen
Here and Now, page 98
To be with others and be present with them right where they are, to willingly enter into a time of fellowship, even if their times are conflicted – these are the ways that we build paths of peace and justice. When each of us can pause long enough to really hear our neighbor, then compassion will be the greatest good.
I trust you will have a good Valentine’s Day.
--Ben Keckler
02.14.11
Happy Valentine’s Day
“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 a 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.”
--Henri Nouwen
Here and Now, page 98
To be with others and be present with them right where they are, to willingly enter into a time of fellowship, even if their times are conflicted – these are the ways that we build paths of peace and justice. When each of us can pause long enough to really hear our neighbor, then compassion will be the greatest good.
I trust you will have a good Valentine’s Day.
--Ben Keckler
02.14.11
Friday, October 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 1
Some Thoughts for the Weekend
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent time listening to Henri Nouwen and sitting at dinner with him on three occasions, 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.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and 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 our understanding about when tough times confront us or those we love. Have a good day, a blessed weekend and enjoy every minute of life.
A prayer: Holy God, help and guide me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.10
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent time listening to Henri Nouwen and sitting at dinner with him on three occasions, 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.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and 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 our understanding about when tough times confront us or those we love. Have a good day, a blessed weekend and enjoy every minute of life.
A prayer: Holy God, help and guide me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.10
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