Welcome back, my beloveds, to another adventure happening here at my little corner of the internet. The days are getting cooler, the nights are getting cooler for sure, and early mornings are still hard. We packed up our pool today for the season. Slowly, slowly getting ready for the cold Canadian winter that may set in any day. Admittedly, we have been delaying it because the days are still way above freezing. Whatever. One can not predict the weather, I suppose.

Nor can one predict the behaviour of a woman who scrolls selling sights. Facebook marketplace and Kijiji are my new best friends. Mostly I scroll. It really is a crazy world out there. I muse: Hmmn. What could I do with several five gallon buckets of black walnuts? I did start a conversation about elderberries. I gave away some fabric. I am trying to sell off some other craft stuff. We visited a friend recently who had a fabulous century home and I am now inspired to seek out antique pieces to decorate. On a budget, of course. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rescue, right?

Why do I blather on about such things? To justify my impulse buy. I should not have done it. I should have planned better. I know this. My hubby reminds me of this all the time. My family knows me and my thrifting habits all too well… and try and deter me. Often. Too late. Enter in the chat about very reasonably priced rabbits. Hutch and accessories included. Short drive on a Sunday afternoon. Oh, My husband loves me. Yeah, yeah, rescued them from a busy mom who didn’t have time to clean them up all the time. “Stole” them from a devastated seven year old who had been warned one too many times they were her responsibility.

And so, “Pepper” “Pickles” and “Pineapple” have joined the zoo. They came with their names, so don’t judge… devastated seven year old, remember? There was supposed to have been a forth, but she went AWOL just before we arrived. We searched the surrounding bushes and tried negotiating deals and follow ups — but we now own 2 very pretty girls and one very handsome boy bunny. My mother is questioning my sanity.

Now, I know what you are thinking. Rabbits. Boy and girl rabbits. That may lead to many many little rabbits. Not to worry, we have separated the two girls from the boy. Which brings me to my lesson of the week. Since the bunnies have come, I have been reading and researching and trying my best to house and care for the new additions – as any good pet owner should. I’ve never had bunnies before and we are housing them outdoors, because, well, bunnies are stinky. They eat a lot. And what goes in, must come out. My garden area is well composted for the spring. Let me tell you!

Since we are about to hit winter, I am fretting. How will they do out in the cold? They must be kept out of the harsh winds, given extra food. Their housing must be warm, dry and draft free. I’ve learned about hay versus straw. Bedding and enrichment. And rabbit temperament. “Pepper” is a shy girl. She can be pushed to her limits though, and will protest the end of her limit with a large sounding back foot “thump”. “Pineapple” is the boy and curious. I think he likes people, but hasn’t totally warmed up yet. “Pickles” is the instigator. She arrived with a few scars that were healing and now we know why. She picks the fights. She certainly does not like the boy’s advances, so no worries there. We have maintained the peace and kept the bloodshed (and flying fur!) at a minimum. Funny creatures they are!

Thus, I muse: if three tiny rabbits can bring such diversity and worry to my little world, how much more does the Creator of the Universe fret over us? Can you even imagine trying to make sense out of the world’s population of personalities, cultures, religions, traditions, temperaments and prayers?! Now, I know He’s God and my finite mind cannot even begin to comprehend what He can handle, but I know He feels our fears and is disappointed with our behaviours. Recent worldly events remind me that we, too, are instigators. We puff out our chests and let the fur fly when we don’t like something. Sometimes we are more reserved and it takes a little longer before we stomp our feet in protest. Other times, we throw caution to the wind and we indulge in one too many of the carrots dangling before us — and end up making a stinky mess. Or our sins breed wild, like, well, like rabbits, until we are over run and can’t keep up.

Our ancient scriptures tell us endless stories of people just like us who have messed up, but under grace, God continues to take us back. Continues to love and feed us. Continues to keep us out of the cold and safe. He knows we fight. And unlike me, our addition was not an impulse. We were planned and wanted and a perfect home was prepared for our arrival. It was us who screwed it up. We come with our scars, and a few of us go AWOL, but He’s there still to load us up and take us home. Forever.

Don’t tell the crew, but I hope to have a whole bunny brigade someday. A mix of colours, breeds and personalities. I will continue to learn rabbit husbandry. And be reminded how my heavenly Father accepts us all with grace and love. Do you feel it, my friend? Do you see it in something around you, like I see it in my new bunny brigade? What makes you see it? Share with me !