Since there is absolutely no news or out-of-the-ordinary happenings to report on this week, I'll focus on one of the songs we sang called "Light Dawns on a Weary World". This is a song that Mack Wilberg wrote, with lyrics by Mary Lousie Bringle. While this song is not really one of my favorite that we sing, the lyrics do have a good message: hope for a better world. I found it a little odd, though, that one of the lines exclaimed "As all the world in wonder echoes Shalom".
The reason I found this odd is that while there is a part of the world where people use that greeting ("Shalom"), it is not universal by any means. In fact there are probably more people in the world who don't use that greeting, than do. That said, the word does have a really cool meaning. Some have whittled it down to meaning "peace". And while peace is awesome and a great thing to say to people, the word actually means completeness, wholeness, and tranquility. What more could you want for anyone than that?!
As an aside, my son has been having a fun time using the ChatGPT app--an AI program that can not only explain things to you--about any subject--but can write stories and essays and whatever you want ask it. I thought I'd hop on the ChatGPT bandwagon and ask it to do the following:
-->Compose 100 word essay about how awesome it would be if everyone greeted each other with the word "shalom".
Here's what the results were:
"If everyone greeted each other with the word "shalom," the world would be a more peaceful and harmonious place. "Shalom" is a Hebrew word that means "peace," and using it as a greeting would symbolize a desire for peace and goodwill towards others. It would transcend language and cultural barriers and bring people together in a shared desire for harmony. "Shalom" could serve as a reminder to all of us that we are all human beings, with a shared need for peace and understanding. If we greeted each other with "shalom," we could create a more compassionate and inclusive world, one greeting at a time."
Pretty impressive.
Gosh, maybe I should just turn this blog over to ChatGPT...
At any rate, I think we should start a revolution and have everyone greet everyone else with the word "shalom". Anyone with me?
Until next time, God be with you. (And shalom)
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