Daily Devotion - Friday, August 27

Not So Common Prayers, Day 5

This week I've offered a series of “Heart Prayers”. Thanks for letting me share them. Hope they helped you in your meditation time.

Friday Fantasy: The Need for Renewal

Good morning God,
It has been a demanding week. I feel like maybe you would understand if I sound a bit demanding in my prayers today. After being with a family that experienced news they weren't ready to hear and staying with them in their moments of shock and denial, I felt drained. Then dealing with a family who wasn't ready to say goodbye to their loved one, I felt drained. They are struggling with some important issues. I can’t seem to shake free from their empty looking eyes.

I know these experiences and the countless other challenges of this past week have marred me and scarred me. Yet, I know they have and continue to mold me into the person I am and will become. Thank you.

But, right now, I confess that I am looking forward to renewal this weekend. Some time in my own backyard with family and friends, some time with flowers, birds, and yes, a refreshing beverage, - that is what I treasure right now. I want some inner refurbishment so that my redecorated heart can dance with joy and gladness as I relax and prepare for another week of caring for your people.

Thanks for hearing, listening and responding with grace. Amen.

Have a good weekend.

--Ben Keckler
08.27.10

Daily Devotions - Friday, October 3

Up-to-Date Facilities

“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health

I work in a health care facility. My employer, Hendricks Regional Health, is committed to keeping our facilities up-to-date and state-of-the-art. I am blessed to work in a wonderful environment that provides quality care.

When we think about up-to-date facilities, it is important to take some time in introspection. What learning have I done this week to make me a better “facility” in life? What reading am I doing to help me be “up-to-date” or “state of the art”? What plan am I making so the work I do tomorrow will be better than the work I do today?

Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, would call this kind of self-renewal “Sharpening the Saw”. Personal commitment to keeping our personal self up-to-date is a critical component to healthy living.

Have a good weekend.

“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)

A Prayer: Holy God, guide me in the way of self-renewal. Amen.

Ben Keckler
10.03.08