I've written a number of times about rain and the weather we've encountered as well as the animals we've befriended during our five months on the road. As we settle into our "routine" here at The Great Passion Play, we are very aware of the weather and it's effect on our daily tasks, and the two outdoor performances (Friday and Saturday night for now). Last night it was chilly and the forecast was for rain. The play goes on regardless, and the crowd as it arrived looked like they were preparing for a World Cup Ski race, not the story of The Passion Week. Rain gear, umbrellas, ponchos and warm jackets were the norm, but the mood was extremely upbeat among the spectators. The cast in their sandals and robes seemed to ignore the cold and went about their performance without ski caps or mittens or parkas, although there might have been some long johns hidden underneath. And as God does over and over again, seven minutes after Jesus ascended and the audience cheered and started for their vehicles, it began to rain and the rain persisted well into the early morning hours. The play went on, the plants, grass and trees were nourished and God again answered prayers, told us His story and received the glory. PRAISE THE LORD.
Karen and I have never owned a pet in our 40 years of marriage. We love animals, other than snakes and spiders, but our life style has not been conducive to having a pet of our own. We have tended other peoples' animals and have had great experiences with them. This trip has been no different as a lot of people travel with pets. This week I had some lap time with Earl and some walking time with Gus. Earl is an indoor/outdoor cat and Gus is a mostly outdoor German Shepherd with the most mild and gentle disposition. Gus and I walked the hills to the lagoon the other evening and while the walk down the road was easy, the return trip up the hill required three rest stops, for me, not Gus. He was very patient as I got my wind back, and we returned home to some enthusiastic lapping from the water bucket, for him, not me. It was great to have the time with Earl and Gus and realize the pleasure we can have from God's other-than-human creations.
There is so much joy to be derived from this life, if we just take the time to see beyond the things which seek to take it from us. We were never promised an easy path and some of us have a pretty difficult path to travel from time to time, but God is always by our side, He goes before us, and He protects our back when we seek Him, ask for His favor, and knock on His door and wait for it to open. Thank You Lord for life in all its complexities. Thank you, Lord, for the rain, the cats and the dogs and all You bless us with. We look forward to what You have on the agenda for us today.
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