A TALE OF THE RUNAWAY BUNNY

The little bunny was tired of rules. He could not abide being told when to eat or sleep. He spoke to his mother without a smile and said “I am running away.”

His mother said “Then I will follow you.”  The little bunny then said “Then I will become a fish and swim away to the sea.” The mother bunny said, “Then I will become a fisherman and catch you to keep you with me, for you are my little bunny.”  The little bunny, a bit exasperated said, “Then I will become a bird and fly high in the sky and run away.”  Mother bunny said softly “Then I will become a tree where you nest, and hold you in my arms forever.”  The little bunny then said “Aw shucks. Then I might as well stay at home with you.”

(Exerpt from:  Runaway Bunny/Margaret Weiss Brown/1942)

This little story which is still in print after thirty re-prints is a tale worth telling. Sometimes when others, or we ourselves grow weary of certain conditions we throw the baby (in this case the bunny) out with the bath water.

Some philosophers and deeper thinkers than myself compare Mother Bunny to a transcendental spiritual figure, a God or an Avatar.  The spirit of our protector and Lord never leaves us in spite of defiance, anger or insubordination.

I see this little story as a demonstration of true love, loyalty and commitment. No matter what, those who love us and protect us will try to keep us in their lives.

That which lasts may not be the most hyper-stimulating situation, but it is the embracing, constant reminder that we are loved and honoured.

The Runaway Bunny was once the touchstone of teachers and Sunday school teachers trying to communicate with kids who simply did not want to be in their classes.  It was read to terminally ill patients who were just children. They were angered, anguished and wanted their circumstances to be different, and their fate to be more fair.

The scholar and theosopher, Malcolm Muggeridge said this tome was a treasure, because it spoke to the spirit. That no matter where we are, or the frustrating nature of our circumstances, the spirit and light of the universe surrounds us. We are exactly where we are supposed to be, and surrounded by the peace and protection of the force of good. In 2009, let us recognize the path we are on, remember the brightness and quality of our relationships, and do our best to be resolute in achieving trajectory to the highest good and the highest love.