Rescue of Another Kind
By Gail Casteen

God reminds us of His love for us. For me, it was through a bunch of bunnies.

When we decided to get a rabbit for my 12-year-old son Edward, it never occurred to me that my spiritual life would be impacted by the experience of finding just the right one. We had searched high and low at shelters, pet shops and on the Internet. Then we found them -- the Rabbit Rescuers.

Saturday afternoon, Edward, Evan (my 16-year-old) and I hopped into the car and made the drive to a nearby community to visit the Tidewater Rabbit Rescue. Sande and his wife, Diane, had done everything necessary to comply with city codes and regulations in order to create a safe haven for several rabbits (and a small assortment of birds and dogs). Being the animal lovers we are, the three of us were thoroughly delighted with the menagerie we found there. Evan fell in love with a cockatiel named Schatzi and I was wowed by the huge golden retriever named Cody. Edward headed straight for the rabbits.

Once we'd met all the human visitors, Diane began to introduce us to the rabbits. For over an hour she introduced us to each rabbit by name, known history, age and personality. It was astounding to hear her, with such great aplomb and love, tell us about each bunny.

Sande could have taught a college level course on the nutrition, health issues, care, habits and handling of any rabbit known to man. He was absolutely fascinating and seemed more than pleased to field any and every question that came his way. Each rabbit had been rescued, given a complete health check-up, and had been there for at least a month so that any problem might be recognized and appropriately addressed.

It wasn’t until we were on our way home that I began to see a wonderful object lesson unfold. At the Rabbit Rescue each rabbit was called by name: the rabbits were loved and protected indefinitely. It brought to mind Isaiah 43:1, which says, "The Lord who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine'…."

God’s love for me began to sweep over me as I drove. I realized I could be like the "Great Whites"-- the gang of three huge, hostile rabbits that will quite happily bite anyone who dares poke their fingers in the cage. I could be like Ruby who has only one eye and can be quite moody on occasion. Maybe her perception of life is a bit distorted. I could be like Pancho the white rabbit who loves to be loved more than he loves food. I could be like Esther who has survived health problems that fill a sizable medical chart. I could be like Muffy, the smoky colored lop-eared bunny who is so sweet and easy going that anyone could hug her all day and she would never resist. I could be scared of life itself like Tina, the mini-rex who cowers in a little plastic box inside her cage.

I could be a hopeless mental case, like the funny bunny. I could be ANYTHING and still, He loves me. My Rescuer loves me so much that He chooses to keep on pouring His marvelous redemptive love into my life no matter how I respond.

Sometimes I am aware of His Presence and binkies are the order of the day. A binkie, by the way, is how a rabbit displays great joy. They thump their back feet really hard, propelling themselves into the air. While they are in flight, they make a 180-degree turn. As they land they dart across the room to do it all over again. Binkies are a happy sight to behold!

Many times He pours His goodness out on me and I sit idly by not even remotely aware that He is fully active in my life at that very moment. He knows I love Him and He knows my expressions of that love are limited at best. Still He pours Himself into my life without reservation as if I fully understood the depths of His actions and motives.

I felt as if He were saying, "I know your past and I am not afraid to make you My own. I know your weaknesses and I am able and more than willing to strengthen you. Your personality is what endears you to Me. It does not matter how others perceive you; you are precious to Me. I know you are hungry and thirsty and I continually provide you with the best nourishment available, because I value you. You were feeling abandoned, rejected and lonely; I have sheltered you in the shadow of My wing. You will never find a safer place. I knew you were in need of help, that is why I gave up the Best I had to rescue you."

What could I say to someone Who loves me that much? I did pray this: "Dear God, forgive me when I fail to acknowledge Your hand on my life. Help me to understand how wide and long and high and deep Your love is for me. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness to those who see me, and let it be a blessing to You. I pray that I no longer take situations and circumstances in my life for granted, but recognize that You are behind everything that would draw me (or even push me) toward You."

He has a way of reminding us that He loves us more than we can fathom. For me, it was a bunch of bunnies. What is it for you?

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