Born Free

Theme for May: Inspiration!

Verse: 

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim freedom for the captives 

and release from darkness for the prisoners."

 Isaiah 61:1 c-e

Mom's Musing: 

To the little bunny, his predicament looked impossible. He was at the bottom of a 9 foot window well with no way out. He attempted to escape, relying  on his own strength. Jumping as high as he could to no avail. He needed help to be released from his metal prison so he could be free to do what rabbits do.

I climbed down the metal wrung with a shoe box in one hand. I visualized  the sign at the pet store, "Bunnies bite." I bravely forged ahead to rescue my furry friend. Okay, I even named him -Buddy the Bunny.

Success. Buddy didn't want to be momentarily boxed but once corralled he was a step closer to freedom. When the cardboard cover was lifted his little paws hit the ground and ran-not hopped- off at lightning speed.

Reflecting on being able to participate in the born free experience, I thought about how children are so like my bunny buddy-Buddy. They get into a tough spots,  need assistance but may not appreciate what that help looks like. But as soon as they are released they can fulfill their purpose.

At the FYI (For Your Inspiration) conference Sandra Aldrich spoke about having faith in difficult circumstances. She said, "When God has us pray, He often has us participate in the miracle." Like the bunny,our children may need to be reined in before they can be released. And..God will most likely use parents to do this. We may be a little fearful but we must move forward in faith. Because when we do, our children will be in a better place to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.

Just yesterday Buddy fell into the same problem. Silly Wabbit! He had grown so he was harder to capture. His teeth must be bigger too. Being used by God usually comes with some  risk but the rewards are great. So when your "Buddy" repeats the same mistake when he's older, don't be surprise.  Be brave and climb back into the hole and help lift him out.

Parenting Tips: Look at your child's challenges as God given opportunities to train and direct his path.