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
Showing posts with label living in the present. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living in the present. Show all posts
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 14
Living in the Present Moment
A familiar title, some new thoughts? One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “this day” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/ I want desires.
“This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice that is saying to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
As we choose to listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.11
A familiar title, some new thoughts? One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “this day” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/ I want desires.
“This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice that is saying to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
As we choose to listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.11
Friday, January 28, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 28
Living in the Present Moment
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
WARNING: As we end this week's devotions, you may be challenged to move beyond boundaries of your comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable exploring thoughts, concepts or opportunities beyond our normal limits. For example, a few years ago a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he went to an Olympic bobsled run and took a new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited, but also quite nervous. He moved beyond his comfort zone. He trusted in the insight from today's Psalm.
A world-renowned Zen master and spiritual leader gives a fresh approach to this verse in these words he penned about two decades ago:
“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 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.”
--Ben Keckler
01.28.11
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
WARNING: As we end this week's devotions, you may be challenged to move beyond boundaries of your comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable exploring thoughts, concepts or opportunities beyond our normal limits. For example, a few years ago a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he went to an Olympic bobsled run and took a new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited, but also quite nervous. He moved beyond his comfort zone. He trusted in the insight from today's Psalm.
A world-renowned Zen master and spiritual leader gives a fresh approach to this verse in these words he penned about two decades ago:
“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 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.”
--Ben Keckler
01.28.11
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 4
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
TUESDAY: Each day is all about "the moment."
Learning from the past and looking forward to/planning for the future are both critically important. Yet, being absorbed in the past or the future can be futile pathways to travel. The past is done – forgive yourself where you need to and beam for a moment recalling good moments. The future is totally uncharted – the only thing for certain is that it will come; there will be many good decisions and many misjudgements! There is really only one thing to do – live this moment well! Colin Cowherd says it well, in my opinion, "It's important to live life in the is and not in the was." Deciding "what is the best thing to do in this moment" is a solid, healthy choice!
These are challenging times. Can you life in this moment and do the very best that you can do in this moment? Personally, life will present me with many challenges today. I must be present to each moment as it comes to me. This is a choice of self-control, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
TUESDAY: Each day is all about "the moment."
Learning from the past and looking forward to/planning for the future are both critically important. Yet, being absorbed in the past or the future can be futile pathways to travel. The past is done – forgive yourself where you need to and beam for a moment recalling good moments. The future is totally uncharted – the only thing for certain is that it will come; there will be many good decisions and many misjudgements! There is really only one thing to do – live this moment well! Colin Cowherd says it well, in my opinion, "It's important to live life in the is and not in the was." Deciding "what is the best thing to do in this moment" is a solid, healthy choice!
These are challenging times. Can you life in this moment and do the very best that you can do in this moment? Personally, life will present me with many challenges today. I must be present to each moment as it comes to me. This is a choice of self-control, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.11
Monday, September 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 20
A New Week Begins
Trying to live in the present moment is really challenging. Beginning a new week of work seems to be a fitting time to focus on living in the present. Daily I am honored to listen to people talk about life. Many focus so much on their yesterdays that they can't live in the moment. I am like that from time to time, too!
This insight might be helpful: “Drive home tonight but only look in the rear view mirror and... see how long it takes you to crash. Are you feeling anger or resentment towards someone or something that is in the rear view? There is a solution: Let it go. Relationship amnesia can be a good thing and it helps you focus on the road ahead where your effort matters!” (Anonymous)
Your yesterdays are history and they won't change, your tomorrows aren't here yet. Each of us has today-- a day to the make the most of, a day to help the world be a more peaceful place, a day to bring a rainbow of hope where darkness seems overpowering! Enjoying your new week means that you must enjoy today. May you be surrounded by a peaceful presence that allows today's potential to overwhelm you.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.10
Trying to live in the present moment is really challenging. Beginning a new week of work seems to be a fitting time to focus on living in the present. Daily I am honored to listen to people talk about life. Many focus so much on their yesterdays that they can't live in the moment. I am like that from time to time, too!
This insight might be helpful: “Drive home tonight but only look in the rear view mirror and... see how long it takes you to crash. Are you feeling anger or resentment towards someone or something that is in the rear view? There is a solution: Let it go. Relationship amnesia can be a good thing and it helps you focus on the road ahead where your effort matters!” (Anonymous)
Your yesterdays are history and they won't change, your tomorrows aren't here yet. Each of us has today-- a day to the make the most of, a day to help the world be a more peaceful place, a day to bring a rainbow of hope where darkness seems overpowering! Enjoying your new week means that you must enjoy today. May you be surrounded by a peaceful presence that allows today's potential to overwhelm you.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.10
Friday, September 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 3
A Holiday Weekend
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us and it comes with an extra day – Labor Day! In the field of health care, however, it is good to remember that the rhythm of a hospital is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves; some will be here at work.
It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who are here this weekend—those who are enabling patients and families to peacefully experience their “present tense” moment.
The Cheyenne Indian had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
A prayer: O God, satisfy us with your steadfast love so that we may share your beauty with those who need our caring touch. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.03.10
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us and it comes with an extra day – Labor Day! In the field of health care, however, it is good to remember that the rhythm of a hospital is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves; some will be here at work.
It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who are here this weekend—those who are enabling patients and families to peacefully experience their “present tense” moment.
The Cheyenne Indian had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
A prayer: O God, satisfy us with your steadfast love so that we may share your beauty with those who need our caring touch. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.03.10
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 21
Living in the Present Moment
One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “THIS DAY” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/I want desires.
Receive this statement for today: “This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute, is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice wanting each of us to hear: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
If each of us can listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice and maintain the practice of listening to that voice, we will find ourselves discovering more and more the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.10
One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “THIS DAY” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/I want desires.
Receive this statement for today: “This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute, is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice wanting each of us to hear: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
If each of us can listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice and maintain the practice of listening to that voice, we will find ourselves discovering more and more the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.10
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 21
Right Here – Right Now
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach, the deck of a cruising ship or to a trip through the snow covered peaks of mountains! Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
Prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.09
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach, the deck of a cruising ship or to a trip through the snow covered peaks of mountains! Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of some health problems. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
Prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.09
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 13
What's Happening -- Right Now?
There really is a congruence of thought, a merging of spiritual insight when we take the time to move beyond boundaries of our comfort zones. Yes, it can be uncomfortable exploring areas beyond our normal limits. For example, on a business trip a friend had the opportunity to ride down an Olympic bobsled run with several business partners. This was a totally new adventure for him. Before the experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He had to get ready to move beyond his comfort zone. He believed he would “enjoy” a new opportunity -- and he did.
One spiritual leader gives a fresh approach in these words he penned about a decade ago:
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 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.
Prayer: God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.13.09
There really is a congruence of thought, a merging of spiritual insight when we take the time to move beyond boundaries of our comfort zones. Yes, it can be uncomfortable exploring areas beyond our normal limits. For example, on a business trip a friend had the opportunity to ride down an Olympic bobsled run with several business partners. This was a totally new adventure for him. Before the experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He had to get ready to move beyond his comfort zone. He believed he would “enjoy” a new opportunity -- and he did.
One spiritual leader gives a fresh approach in these words he penned about a decade ago:
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 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.
Prayer: God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.13.09
Friday, November 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, November 7
Life Unfolding
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
Today is the last day we will spend with quotes from Leo Buscaglia's book. During the last five weeks we have taken time to read insights gained during his travels in Asia. We have taken time to compare his insights with insights I gained from a recent trip to Rwanda. Thank you for letting me share my experiences with you.
Are you enjoying your voyage? As I write this final devotion I have a mental picture of the day we spent with the Batwa tribe in rural Rwanda. The Batwa are few in number these days, but they continue to gather their food from the forests, live in community and make crude clay pots that they sell to those who stop in their community. No store front, no commercialism, just simplicity. Only a few know their national language and none of them know English.
They have no knowledge of the values I've grown to embrace, but they seemed to understand far better than many people I encounter in my own land that sharing life with a stranger is the best way to let life unfold. Just thought I'd try to paint a picture of the Batwa people so you could enjoy your weekend as it unfolds.
Ben Keckler
11.07.08
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
Today is the last day we will spend with quotes from Leo Buscaglia's book. During the last five weeks we have taken time to read insights gained during his travels in Asia. We have taken time to compare his insights with insights I gained from a recent trip to Rwanda. Thank you for letting me share my experiences with you.
Are you enjoying your voyage? As I write this final devotion I have a mental picture of the day we spent with the Batwa tribe in rural Rwanda. The Batwa are few in number these days, but they continue to gather their food from the forests, live in community and make crude clay pots that they sell to those who stop in their community. No store front, no commercialism, just simplicity. Only a few know their national language and none of them know English.
They have no knowledge of the values I've grown to embrace, but they seemed to understand far better than many people I encounter in my own land that sharing life with a stranger is the best way to let life unfold. Just thought I'd try to paint a picture of the Batwa people so you could enjoy your weekend as it unfolds.
Ben Keckler
11.07.08
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, November 6
Living in this Moment
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
As we live our lives as citizens in a global community, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. We probably will have more than just this moment, but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. I believe that when we truly live in this moment, we will discover our personal health improving and we will see the world through the lens of compassion rather than competition.
Ben Keckler
11.06.08
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
As we live our lives as citizens in a global community, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. We probably will have more than just this moment, but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. I believe that when we truly live in this moment, we will discover our personal health improving and we will see the world through the lens of compassion rather than competition.
Ben Keckler
11.06.08
Monday, November 3, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, November 3
Live in the Moment
“Don’t worry about tomorrow,
tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
--A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6: 34)
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are very different. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to Asia. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes this week.
As we live our lives, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment, but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. If we live in this moment, we will truly be healthier.
Ben Keckler
11.03.08
“Don’t worry about tomorrow,
tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
--A teaching from Jesus as remembered by Matthew (6: 34)
“I was never told that man ‘possesses’ nothing.
I have learned, most importantly, that a WAY will only have reality
As it relates to living in the now.
Life isn’t the goal; it’s the voyage,
and the only reality seems to lie in allowing life to unfold.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull)
A number of years ago Mr. Buscaglia took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating their traditions into his understanding about the mystery of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. So, another way to title the book could be The Way of Life.
When we live with folks unaccustomed to Western culture, we discover people of faith whose values are very different. Leo Buscaglia learned this on his trip to Asia. The above quote is part of his summary statements. In many ways he echoes the words from the Sermon on the Mount (see the Scripture quote). It would be good to meditate on these quotes this week.
As we live our lives, it is good to remember that we only have the moment we are in. Obviously, we probably will have more than just this moment, but it isn’t guaranteed. So, take good care of each moment you have. If we live in this moment, we will truly be healthier.
Ben Keckler
11.03.08
Friday, August 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, August 8
Present Tense Living, Part 5
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us. In some fields such as health care and public safety, we take time to remember the rhythm of work is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves, but others will be working. It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who will work this weekend — those who care for patients and families and those who protect us.
The Cheyenne Indians had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
Ben Keckler
08.08.08
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us. In some fields such as health care and public safety, we take time to remember the rhythm of work is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves, but others will be working. It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who will work this weekend — those who care for patients and families and those who protect us.
The Cheyenne Indians had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
Ben Keckler
08.08.08
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, August 7
Present Tense Living, Part 4
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon, preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational church in Rupert, Vermont. His concluding remarks:
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day to walk the paths of righteousness is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other, rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
We are on the “down-side” of this week. Still today, in this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
Ben Keckler
08.07.08
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon, preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational church in Rupert, Vermont. His concluding remarks:
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day to walk the paths of righteousness is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other, rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
We are on the “down-side” of this week. Still today, in this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
Ben Keckler
08.07.08
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, August 5
Present Tense Living, Part 2
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. One writer puts it this way, “but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind me, I strain forward to what lies ahead of me.” The advice given is universal, crossing all religious boundaries. 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.
A prayer: God, help me to discover you right here, right now! Amen.
Ben Keckler
08.05.08
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. One writer puts it this way, “but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind me, I strain forward to what lies ahead of me.” The advice given is universal, crossing all religious boundaries. 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.
A prayer: God, help me to discover you right here, right now! Amen.
Ben Keckler
08.05.08
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, July 15
Staying in the Present
“So do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
--From one of Jesus’ sermons
Matthew 6: 34
Every so often it is good to be reminded about the significance of self-care. People who are attracted to the caregiving field, including the support services needed for the delivery of quality care, need to be reminded about this important attribute for daily living. There are times when we jump into the future rather than living in the present.
When we start to worry or feel anxious, it is good to remind ourselves that we have moved away from the present moment. Today’s verse from Scripture is significant. We are reminded to stay focused, focused on whatever is happening at that moment. By dedicating all our energy to the present, we will demonstrate the importance of self-care that might also be known as “Be good to yourself therapy.”
A prayer: God of all time and space, keep me in the present and nudge me when I have moved too far into tomorrow. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.15.08
Editor’s note: Mr. Keckler serves as a hospital Director of Chaplaincy in the greater Indianapolis area.
“So do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
--From one of Jesus’ sermons
Matthew 6: 34
Every so often it is good to be reminded about the significance of self-care. People who are attracted to the caregiving field, including the support services needed for the delivery of quality care, need to be reminded about this important attribute for daily living. There are times when we jump into the future rather than living in the present.
When we start to worry or feel anxious, it is good to remind ourselves that we have moved away from the present moment. Today’s verse from Scripture is significant. We are reminded to stay focused, focused on whatever is happening at that moment. By dedicating all our energy to the present, we will demonstrate the importance of self-care that might also be known as “Be good to yourself therapy.”
A prayer: God of all time and space, keep me in the present and nudge me when I have moved too far into tomorrow. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.15.08
Editor’s note: Mr. Keckler serves as a hospital Director of Chaplaincy in the greater Indianapolis area.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 15
But What About Tomorrow?
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
Surrendering control and simply trusting that we will have enough strength for the “beyond the comfort zone” moments is a tough, tough task! For example, a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he was scheduled to take a ride down an Olympic bobsled run. This was a totally new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He was getting ready to move beyond his comfort zone.
About ten years ago a spiritual leader gave a fresh approach to the verse from Psalm 121 in these words:
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 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.
A prayer for today:
God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.08
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
Surrendering control and simply trusting that we will have enough strength for the “beyond the comfort zone” moments is a tough, tough task! For example, a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he was scheduled to take a ride down an Olympic bobsled run. This was a totally new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He was getting ready to move beyond his comfort zone.
About ten years ago a spiritual leader gave a fresh approach to the verse from Psalm 121 in these words:
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 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.
A prayer for today:
God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.08
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
