Caging Our Wild Animal

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Would you like to meet the newest member of our family? This is the story of how he joined our clan and the sweet message God gave me through him.

Knock Knock Knock. Like clockwork every day after school the new little neighbor boy would peek through the glass on our kitchen door. Inviting my boys to join him in play. We grew to expect our pint size visitor daily and his persistent and funny personality was a welcome sign in the afternoon. His family had moved in next door along with their dogs, cat and rabbit.

They were only there a few short months when suddenly the familiar eyes peeping in my window didn’t show up anymore. Soon we realized their family had quickly and without notice moved.

But one thing remained.

A snow white bunny started rummaging through our garden and yard.

We weren’t sure if the neighbors were coming back or what was going on but for close to a month we watched the rabbit return every morning and evening to sneak a snack from our yard.

We tried to catch him but he ran and hid in the tall grass wedged between our houses. Finally, I was determined we should catch and keep this little fluff ball before something else did.

The rabbit had taken up residence in our other neighbors yard and they told us we could get him whenever we wanted. I snuck over and found him up on their porch. His eyes were sleepy and he was slow moving, as if the warm sun had lulled him toward a nap. But he still ran. After a few failed attempts a carrot proved to be the winning bait. He didn’t put up much of a fight once caught. I moved him to a cage we had waiting.

And he slept.

He didn’t pace or cower. He didn’t act scared or fidgety.

He slept.

It wasn’t until I took him out to love on him that I felt how boney and tired he truly was. His fluffy coat hide the truth. All that freedom had gotten the best of him. And God showed me his mercy in that moment.

Just like my new little friend we run and hide from God. Relishing in the false freedom of doing things our own way, acting in self. We run through grass fields and starve. We are unaware of dangers that lurk in wait. From a distance living under God’s law appears restrictive and confined. Being in control feels safer.

The truth is we are never really in control. God reigns whether we fall under him or not and the security we feel when flexing our muscle is an illusion. What I hope I never forget is the safety and peace that fell upon our caged animal. Within the walls we give this rabbit he finds deep rest. He finds abundance he could never have dreamed of or received on his own. An endless supply of warm hay for cold nights, food, parsley appetizers and carrot snacks are brought to him daily. Along with love and affection.

Times five.

We all wait on him hand a foot, meeting his every need and want.

Our heavenly father is like that, even more so. He waits patiently for us, waits on us. To fall into the peaceful rest of his protection and provision. He promises that his burden is light, unlike the heavy burden we carry when we walk alone. Our God is a god of abundance, it’s impossible to out give God. And love. His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out and it’s depth has no bottom.

Today I hope you will think about the ways you are running scared, running on empty, holding up appearances…and give in. I promise nothing you are giving up doing in self is greater than what you will gain in Christ.

If you desire rest, sleep, peace, love and safety take a cue from Rudy and accept the arms that long to comfort you. Rudy – that’s what we named our new guy. Rudy the red-eyed rabbit, affectionately sung to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It seemed fitting for a Christmas bunny.

The kids say I have a favorite rabbit and there is a sliver of truth in their observation. I can’t help but love a saved underdog, I relate all too well. Our little Christmas rabbit will always be a picture of God’s mercy and affection to me. So yes, mom’s heart is partial to Rudy and his message. But as to not make the other kids jealous I shared a few pictures of our other bunnies. 😉

Merry Christmas dear friends, may God bless you and yours this season and always.