The Hebrew word Shalom means hello, goodbye and peace. In one word we can sum up most of life, relationships and our eternal destiny. Yesterday, as I went about the "details" of life, I experienced Shalom in more ways than I could ever write about in a lifetime of blogs. One event spoke volumes to me.
Ney has been part of The Great Passion Play for probably close to 30 years. He has been in charge of the animals used in the Holy Land and Play, and many are animals he has raised and cared for their whole life. One of our donkeys, Bam, recently needed medical attention which has caused him to "retire" from his role of transporting Jesus on His triumphal entry through the Eastern Gate into Jerusalem. Yesterday was Bam's time to be transported back to Ney's ranch in Berryville, and also a reminder that Ney will be retiring from TGPP at the end of this season. James, Joe and I helped Ney load Bam into the transporter; and while Bam was not really obstinate or difficult, it was obvious he was not eager to go. After some coaxing, and prodding he got into the transporter, and Ney headed toward the main gate of the barn area. Grazing in the pasture was Bam's partner, Bam Bam, a number of haflinger horses and an older white "stallion" used by the Centurion in the play. In a nearby area were a number of miniature horses and donkeys. All were contentedly eating, but as Bam went by them he let out a brief bray and their heads all looked toward the departing vehicle. All started running toward the main gate as they seemed to be expressing their farewell to their friend and companion.
It brought a tear to my eye, as it does right now, realizing that while we have emotions, animals do also and as we have difficulties with our hellos and goodbyes, it is not a unique emotion to humans. I'm a city boy, not versed in the animal world, but from my GPP experience I have been impacted by the human and animal relationships I have witnesses here. Shalom, Bam. Shalom, Ney. Shalom to all the characters of this place and to all the characters in this life and the life to come. Hello......goodbye........but above all........PEACE. Thank You, Lord, for the purpose You have for each of us to be part of a bigger plan and an eternal future. What a joy it is to be included. Shalom Aleichem.......Peace be upon you.
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