Eden’s favorite book right now is The Runaway Bunny. For those of you who have cared for small children before, you know that means we are reading it on average about 8-12 times per week. I’m just thankful it’s not one of those Dr. Seuss books with all the made-up words that are impossible to pronounce.
During my 7th or 8th rendition of the book, I began to see an analogy take shape. For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows a young bunny who informs his mother of his plan to run away, disguising himself as a fish, a flower, a rock, etc. With each threat, the mother assures him that she will find a way to catch him in disguise and stay close by his side. She follows the bunny’s imagination and suggests that she can become a fisherman, a gardener, a mountaineer, etc. A published overview of the book notes that the “text provides an emotionally compelling depiction of a small child's first burst of independence and a mother's affirmation of unconditional love.”
Sound familiar?
As the CitySalt blog writers have shared stories of poignant and momentous revelations from God over the past month, it has been refreshing to hear how simple and accessible His methods of communication are. When we find ourselves chasing adventure, hiding in shame, or buried in busyness, he is right beside us.
At eye level.
Meeting us right in the midst.
I love an image of the little bunny growing wings, that appear slightly absurd, in hopes of becoming a bird and flying off into adventure and independence. Meanwhile, the mother stands tall as a “tree to come home to,” knowing the fuzzy, plump little bunny isn’t likely to get very far pretending to be something he’s not. And as she chases the bunny and his dreams, she doesn’t squash or impede them, rather she joins him with a quiet voice of reason and stability, calling him home.
Though God may choose to reveal Himself in grand and outrageous ways, He still often tends to speak in the context of the seemingly mundane. He joins us in the chaos and despair and beauty and awe of life, inviting us to press in closely to hear his heart and find home in Him.
1 Kings 19:11-13
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
About the Author
Britni is a quiet but fearless spirit who is earnestly seeking the beauty of the redemption that Jesus has personally determined for her life. Committed to the truth that listening breeds understanding and understanding results in compassion, she clings to the power of life’s stories. She has embarked on the venture of discovering her own story and lending an ear to the stories lived out in others and savors the trace of Jesus that is woven throughout them all. Currently, that journey has landed her in a balancing act between the role of wife, momma, and a mental health Care Coordinator.