July 6, 2014. Eureka Springs, AR. Stuff Happens

Life is a series of unplanned events in random order with only God knowing the events and when they will happen. Most of the time He doesn't let us know what to expect, but assures us
that He will help us navigate thru them and come out the other side, hopefully in one piece and better for the experience. Our time at the Passion Play has not been an exception, but a confirmation that "stuff happens", but God is in control.
We just completed a stretch of 11 performance days in 14 days. With the 4th of July being part of that period, we were short handed as people had vacations scheduled and there were an unusually large number of incidents which depleted our supply of available people as well. The animals were less than cooperative a number of times and people were asked to step into roles they had not performed before. Last night's Play might have been more aptly called "A Comedy Of Errors", but we made it thru, the audience was appreciative and probably didn't even realize that Jesus got caught in the trees during the Ascension, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus didn't come to the Cross and there was no shroud to carry Jesus from the Cross to the Tomb. The donkey false-started into Jerusalem with Jesus making a belated "rider up" to keep the scene authentic. One of our camels ended a very cantankerous week with a final hissy fit and some anxious moments for the handler and his young helper. No injuries, but a healthy respect for the camel and his ability to kick with each leg in four directions. There were also a number of accidents, unexpected illnesses, car problems, financial difficulties, broken equipment, lost or misplaced items and behavior issues with some of the young and not-so-young cast members and special requests from some of our customers with physical limitations.
All in all it was a typical week in a small community with all-too-human residents. But we made in thru, with God's help and grace. Today we rest and tomorrow the "work week" begins again. We pray for healing and forgiveness for what happened and for protection, patience and even-temper for what lies ahead, including the return to very hot and very humid conditions. Assuredly, stuff happens, but more assuredly God is in control. AMEN and AMEN.
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