Scripps Sunday #54

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The image that stood out to me during our practice of Visio Divina on our last night at the retreat this past week is the one below by Scott Erikson with the rabbit. It’s no surprise that I would be drawn to this as we have had our beloved Poppy as a part of our family for 9 ½ years. Through this, I’ve tried to summarize some of the nuggets I am bringing back with me from the retreat and now that I am sharing with you.


When I look at this, I am struck by the faithful presence of this rabbit (very much like Poppy). The stairway drawn in the ear of the rabbit is a masterful touch as it speaks to how listening is the very stairway to heaven.

Just as this rabbit is still, what does it look like for me to be still and know that it is God who makes things right?[1]

Just as this rabbit is in front of the sunlight and as Poppy loves to sit in the light that streams into the living room and soak it up (and especially the new full spectrum light!), what does it look like for me do the same thing in order be the light to those around me and to not miss the light in those around me?

Just as this rabbit sits quietly, what does it look like to build in some margins so that I am not trying to fit one more thing in?

Just as this rabbit appears to be perfectly content, what does it look like for me to trust that whatever I ask for will be listened to and acted upon? [2]

Just as this rabbit is regal in her presence, what does it mean that I am called to be planted by God to display his glory?[3]

Just as this rabbit appears to be free of worry, what does it mean for me to release control and let go as I pray for wholeness for those near and dear to me?

Just as this rabbit’s ears are the most prominent feature on her body, what might it look like for everyone who comes in contact with me to feel seen and heard?

Just as this rabbit’s presence is a gift, how might I anchor myself in the present moment and delight in the person in front of me moment by moment?[4]

Just as this rabbit is present, what might it look like to be present to the God who is present to me?

Just as this rabbit is so loved, what might it look like to behold God beholding me and smiling?  

 

Dear Lord,

Make me more like the rabbit who listened. [5]

Amen and Amen….

 

[1] Psalm 116:5: God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. (The Message)

[2] John 15:7 But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. (The Message)

[3] Isiah 61:3: Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. (The Message)

[5] Children’s book titled The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (that is really written about YOU!) 

[6] Drawing of Poppy by Ellie White 



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