Lesson from a Ladybug
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
--Jesus (as remembered by Matthew 6:34)
Amazing, absolutely amazing! This simple sentence expresses the feeling I had throughout my drive to work one morning several years ago. Here is a remarkable story that I’ll call “A Lady Bug and A Commute.”
While backing the car out of the driveway, a ladybug landed in the middle of the windshield. As the car started forward, the ladybug quit walking and stayed very still. Each time the car stopped for a traffic light the ladybug would continue its trek across the driver’s side of the windshield. The commute took us onto the interstate, still the ladybug held on. After several miles with cars and trucks passing on either side, “we” exited onto Route 36. My traveling companion stayed with me until she flew away on her terms while we were stopped at a traffic light.
The thought I’m dwelling on: “If that little ladybug was protected until it was time to fly, won’t I be protected until it is time to fly?” The answer may vary depending on the situation, but I think I’ve got enough clarity for now.
--Ben Keckler
10.08.09
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, October 6
Friendships
“Do not forsake your friend….”
--A wisdom phrase (Proverbs 27:10)
One of the joys of fall that happens across our land is found at tailgate parties. Some are on Friday evening – high school events; some are on Saturday – college events; and some are on Sunday – professional events.
Recently we stayed home with all the grandchildren while the parents went to tailgate prior to the Purdue/Notre Dame game. The great part of the weekend was that we were able to enjoy a day with four children we love while four older young adults (whom we also enjoy and love) got to spend some time together with their friends. It was really super to spend time with people we all enjoy. Friendship is very special!
In just a couple of days some of our very special friends will arrive from Southern Indiana. Rather than tailgate, we will enjoy the gift of friendship with a backyard barbeque. Honoring the gift of friendship is important. It takes commitment and energy, but the feeling in the heart at the conclusion of a great time is difficult to match. Enjoy the friends you have, expand your circle of friends and you will be surrounded by one of life’s great treasures.
Prayer: Thank you God for the gift of friendship. Accept my gratitude today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.06.09
“Do not forsake your friend….”
--A wisdom phrase (Proverbs 27:10)
One of the joys of fall that happens across our land is found at tailgate parties. Some are on Friday evening – high school events; some are on Saturday – college events; and some are on Sunday – professional events.
Recently we stayed home with all the grandchildren while the parents went to tailgate prior to the Purdue/Notre Dame game. The great part of the weekend was that we were able to enjoy a day with four children we love while four older young adults (whom we also enjoy and love) got to spend some time together with their friends. It was really super to spend time with people we all enjoy. Friendship is very special!
In just a couple of days some of our very special friends will arrive from Southern Indiana. Rather than tailgate, we will enjoy the gift of friendship with a backyard barbeque. Honoring the gift of friendship is important. It takes commitment and energy, but the feeling in the heart at the conclusion of a great time is difficult to match. Enjoy the friends you have, expand your circle of friends and you will be surrounded by one of life’s great treasures.
Prayer: Thank you God for the gift of friendship. Accept my gratitude today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.06.09
Monday, October 5, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 5
Remembering
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.”
--A follower (Ephesians 1: 15)
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Every other week we have a group of moms and dads who gather to work on their grief, a grief that came to them when they were expecting a life. Some of the people in that group have attended for several years and they, along with some volunteers from our hospital, hosted our 4th Annual Walk to Remember. The gathering was the largest ever!
What a privilege to work and live with people who care about others! Take time today to think about persons who have lost a child or children—the loss may be a perinatal loss or it may be a child of any age. Offer a prayer or give them a call. They can teach us a great deal about how to maintain faith in the future.
I wish we didn’t have to have a month set aside for remembering people who have lost children, it isn’t the way life is to be ordered. But, we NEED to set aside this month and remember. I will be remembering the 150 people who walked on Saturday and taught me a bit more about faith. I thank God for them and pray they can have a measure of peace in their lives.
--Ben Keckler
10.05.09
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.”
--A follower (Ephesians 1: 15)
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Every other week we have a group of moms and dads who gather to work on their grief, a grief that came to them when they were expecting a life. Some of the people in that group have attended for several years and they, along with some volunteers from our hospital, hosted our 4th Annual Walk to Remember. The gathering was the largest ever!
What a privilege to work and live with people who care about others! Take time today to think about persons who have lost a child or children—the loss may be a perinatal loss or it may be a child of any age. Offer a prayer or give them a call. They can teach us a great deal about how to maintain faith in the future.
I wish we didn’t have to have a month set aside for remembering people who have lost children, it isn’t the way life is to be ordered. But, we NEED to set aside this month and remember. I will be remembering the 150 people who walked on Saturday and taught me a bit more about faith. I thank God for them and pray they can have a measure of peace in their lives.
--Ben Keckler
10.05.09
Friday, October 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 2
Prayer of St. Francis
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
I will sing and make music to the Lord my God.”
--Psalm 27, selected verses
Excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude:
“You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our
Wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness, security, inner peace and our joy.
Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!”
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler
10.02.09
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
I will sing and make music to the Lord my God.”
--Psalm 27, selected verses
Excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude:
“You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our
Wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness, security, inner peace and our joy.
Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!”
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler
10.02.09
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 1
In Solitude Remembering Others
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Leaders attempting to make difficult decisions, acting in the best interests of all.
Struggling folks who are trying to prepare for winter amid their present harsh realities.
People who woke up today and already have discovered that their anticipated reality for the day has been demolished. People whose world is upside down.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.09
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Leaders attempting to make difficult decisions, acting in the best interests of all.
Struggling folks who are trying to prepare for winter amid their present harsh realities.
People who woke up today and already have discovered that their anticipated reality for the day has been demolished. People whose world is upside down.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.09
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