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Home » Faith » Caging Our Wild Animal

Faith

Caging Our Wild Animal

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. The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny.

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.The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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 tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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.The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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 tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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.The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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.The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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 tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our 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. 😉The tale of God's mercy told through Rudy the red eyed rabbit, our Christmas bunny

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

Blessings, Kim from Hunt & HostConnect more here:

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9 Comments

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Comments

  1. knottedthreadtales says

    December 22, 2016 at 6:40 AM

    What a wonderful lesson in God’s grace. It certainly meshed with todays advent reading. I am so thankful to have found your blog, and I am glad you rescued Rudy. He is a little, well, not so little, charmer.

    Reply
  2. Bess says

    December 22, 2016 at 9:03 AM

    Thanks so much for saving your new little friend .He is a beauty

    Reply
  3. Natascha Rieper says

    December 22, 2016 at 9:22 AM

    How sad that someone left him behind. I have three house rabbits. and it is a large miss conception of people that you can just turn a rabbit loose and they will fend for themselves. Rabbits are very intelligent and can be potty trained very easily. Glad he was rescued!

    Reply
  4. Linda Rust says

    December 22, 2016 at 7:17 PM

    What a lovely Christmas message. Rudy is blessed to live at your home, and we who love your blog are blessed by your Godly wisdom.

    Reply
  5. Beth McCaffrey says

    December 23, 2016 at 10:13 AM

    Thank you for sharing this message of Gods loving arms waiting on us to give in to His love and good plans that he has for us. Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply
  6. Kathie Fro IL says

    December 18, 2017 at 11:29 PM

    I love the story. I suffered a stroke after major back surgery a year ago. I am still dizzy a lot and lack balance so walking involves a walker☹️. It is very hard for me to accept. I would appreciate your prayers????????

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      December 21, 2017 at 9:32 AM

      praying for you and hope this season especially you will feel GOd’s love and provision

      Reply
  7. melinda says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:14 AM

    ok! lol, now I want a rabbit for my family…..such a wonderful story of redemption! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Kim at Hunt and Host says

      December 21, 2017 at 5:34 PM

      you should totally get one – he is so sweet!!!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Kim. I believe getting your hands dirty can be a way to get your heart clean. This blog is a decorating and DIY guide to seeing God in the details of your day, hobby and home. Read more...

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