The Useless Donkey Enters History

He would still be wallowing in the ocean of self-pity if one day, completely out of blue, he didn’t overhear a conversation between his human master and a stranger speaking with unmistakable Galilean accent.

He was so used to the big world and all its important people and events -  the real life – passing him by that he almost missed it.

The Lord has a need of him…. The stranger insisted.

The beast lifted its drowsy head, wondering what the fuss is all about.

The Lord… what??...  

The fleeting thought was so preposterous he immediately dismissed it.  This donkey has learned the lesson that life is not about him, perhaps all too well. 

Still his long donkey ears and his fluttering donkey heart couldn't rest. 

But... but... what if...?

Just then the door to his pen opened, the master walked in, untied his rope and led him out into the blinding sunlight. 

C’mon donkey.  You won’t believe it, but this is your lucky day. Out of all the useful beasts under the good heaven, the Lord says He needs you!

The Lord…?!!!

Has a need…???? 

How can the living Lord of everything have a need??? 

And that need is … 

...him?!??!!??

I remember that year as the year when the donkey - the useless, worthless donkey - entered timeless history according to the predetermined plan of His Lord. 

This same beast of burden became the unlikely courier of my personal Easter message that year.

 I’ve never looked at another donkey quite the same ever since.