When I was in high school (about 5 years ago), my parents went through a tough time financially. My mom is a forever optimist... she's one of those people. On really rough days, we/she would always see what she called "bunnies of hope." She would tell us (my brother, Dad, and I) that they were God's reminders that He had everything under control and that everything would be okay. It was pretty crazy because we would always see one on the roughest days. However, you can probably imagine that my 16 and 17 year old self rolled my eyes at my mom every time she talked about "the bunnies of hope."
Well, God has a sense of humor. Let me back up a little bit, though. It's been a year since I've graduated college. The world puts these expectations in your head that when you graduate, you will:
- Get married to your boyfriend that you found in college.
- All your best friends from college will be your bridesmaids.
- You'll get a great job because you have a degree.
Besides having best friends that could potentially be bridesmaids in the future, I've completed none of those things on the "list." I expected to have a great job by now because I have a Bachelor's degree... but, it hasn't happened. I have a part time job and some side jobs, but not a full-time, career-type job.
Over the past month, I've had two interviews, both of which I really thought were going to work out. I worked myself up over them and got excited, only to be super, super disappointed. Guess what has been showing up over this past year, and especially this month? Yup. Bunnies of hope. Just some proof for you:
Um, yes, THREE bunnies. These pictures aren't from this month, but these bunnies constantly show up. Last week (the hardest week for me), I saw another bunny on the side of the road (after finding out I didn't get the job) and several others throughout the week in the most unexpected places.
As soon as one door closed though, the Lord opened several others.. and for that, I am so, so thankful. I received two offers for paid internships over the summer the day I found out I didn't get the job that I thought I really wanted. A few days later, when I was talking to my parents on the phone about which summer internship I accepted, a bunny literally came into the yard where I was standing. Okay, God, I get it! Something that I once rolled my eyes at, I am so thankful for now-- His reminders that He does have everything under control.
So.. what about you? Do you have any stories where God reminded you that He has everything under control?
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
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As a side note: If you've been wondering where I am, why I don't post much anymore,
etc... that's where I am right now. I don't want to apologize for not
posting, because life is life and I feel like as bloggers we apologize
too much for allowing ourselves to live rather than blog
(therefore, why are we apologizing??)-- sorry, that was a side rant.
Anyway, I'm not quitting, but I've decided that I don't want to force myself to blog.. because then it's not fun anymore. I'm super excited to share the summer I have ahead of me, though! I'm going to be a summer intern in Student Ministry at a local church, and I am so pumped!!!
What a fantastic story, a memory that will always remain with you for the rest of your life, one given to you by your mom. Hoping those bunnies bring you luck with that hope! Funny that I should read this post since 4 days ago a bunny showed him self 3 days in a roll in my yard. When I moved here 19 yrs ago, they were everywhere, for the last 10 to 12 yrs, I have not seen them....I did not think there was a reason I needed the "bunnies of hope"....but maybe, just maybe....thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this post and yes I have been wondering where you've been. :-) I think now when I see the bunnies in my yard I will think of this post.
ReplyDeleteWe are in different places in our lives, but your list looks pretty much like mine (minus the job part). But I will say that I transitioned jobs over the summer - did something I never thought I would do and that is leave a job (in a time like this) with no prospects of another. In that time I had to literally watch God unfold a new opportunity for me...and He did! I signed a contract for my new job the day before I had to start and the last week available to me to find a job before the state paid me out all of the days that I had invested over the past 13 years. I really didn't want that to happen. So, yes, I know that God is faithful and I have to be reminded of that even when those first two items on the list haven't happened for me yet. Be encouraged!
What a pleasant surprise to find your blog while looking at kids crafts! We too have bunnies, I will take them in a new way each time I see them and will share with my teen. She too will probably roll her eyes, but only for a moment because she is "one of those people" :) Best of luck on your internship, and continue to be in awe of what God provides! Some days I just wish he would let us in on the plan ;)
ReplyDeleteI love rabbits. They are one of my favorite animals. So, I've got this private little thing with God: whenever I see one, I take it as if God is telling me He loves me. Now, I know He says it in everything He does, but it's just a moment when I'll stop, smile, look up, and say, "I love You too God." It was especially nice when he brought one right up to the patio door where I was on the morning of my last birthday. It was as if God was saying, "Happy Birthday!" to me. God works in mysterious ways... even via rabbits. =:3
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