It's been a couple of days since I've written because of a nasty thing we have called The Bunny Flu. Seems that if there are a lot of people sweating and breahing inside of a bunny head, disease spreads.
Nasty
We were all sick, and some of us it hit harder than others. Things were coming out of me from all points. It was awful.
Most of us rose to the situation and worked through the pain. After all, we chose this. We didn't choose to be sick, but we chose the circumstances that led to the experience.
Today my boy is sick.
Bunny Flu has gone after the next generation.
When the people I love carry the consequences of my choices, it adds an additional weight. I didn't like being sick, but it was my natural path. Jack is collateral damage. That feels unacceptable
It reminds me that there are no victimless choices in life. Each choice we make has ripple effects - for good or bad. Even a choice not to choose changes history.
It feels like a heavy burden
I better hold tighter to His coat
Friday, March 19, 2010
following the master into the bunny patch
As I mentioned, this blog is about Easter - from the persective of the Easter Bunny. It's been quite a ride so far.
The goal was, quite frankly, to make some money. It's been a tough year to say the least. I'm a career minister who has spent his entire life in the persuit of the Kindgdom of God. When it comes to income, I've always been able to leverege my skills in this area. For fear of sounding arrogant, I'm good at what I do. Being the Easter Bunny was, shall we say, not at the top of the list.
It's a humble path laid before me...but as always, I met Jesus here on the road.
The familliar platform is easy to desire by people like me. There might be some craving of the spotlight, but there is far more of a wish to do good and use my skills/gifts to make a difference. It's easy to see something like being dressed as a bunny as a demotion, or a waste of skill. No one can even see me. I'm sure the assumption is that under the suit is some rejected carney and we've all agreed to pretend that it's Brad Pitt. I'm neither - but no one will ever know. They won't know that I've spoken the wonders of God to thousands and been witness to changed lives or that my "real job" is an organizational consultant for church youth ministries.
Because none of that matters. Today, I'm called to be faithful as the bunny.
As a result, I have been able to be part of a hub of blessing. I've been able to be an encouragent to Brandon at the mall Starbucks, a support to Carol, an avenue of provision for Bethany, build great story with Ray, be a rock for Judy, and an example of grace to everyone on the team...and they have been that for me.
Sometimes the church doesn't meet on Sunday.
Sometimes it's furry.
I'm learning that blessing comes by following the humble rabbi down a path that you wouldn't have chosen for yourself. Jesus knew he was going to the cross - even asked His Father if there was another job available. Beyond the suffering - the cross was humiliating. I'm sure he felt that being stripped and hung was a poor use of who he was. There were more to heal, teach, and love to greatness.
But He was the only one who could do what he did so God could bring grace to the world.
Maybe I'm the man for this job so God can bring more grace.
Not a bad job.
The goal was, quite frankly, to make some money. It's been a tough year to say the least. I'm a career minister who has spent his entire life in the persuit of the Kindgdom of God. When it comes to income, I've always been able to leverege my skills in this area. For fear of sounding arrogant, I'm good at what I do. Being the Easter Bunny was, shall we say, not at the top of the list.
It's a humble path laid before me...but as always, I met Jesus here on the road.
The familliar platform is easy to desire by people like me. There might be some craving of the spotlight, but there is far more of a wish to do good and use my skills/gifts to make a difference. It's easy to see something like being dressed as a bunny as a demotion, or a waste of skill. No one can even see me. I'm sure the assumption is that under the suit is some rejected carney and we've all agreed to pretend that it's Brad Pitt. I'm neither - but no one will ever know. They won't know that I've spoken the wonders of God to thousands and been witness to changed lives or that my "real job" is an organizational consultant for church youth ministries.
Because none of that matters. Today, I'm called to be faithful as the bunny.
As a result, I have been able to be part of a hub of blessing. I've been able to be an encouragent to Brandon at the mall Starbucks, a support to Carol, an avenue of provision for Bethany, build great story with Ray, be a rock for Judy, and an example of grace to everyone on the team...and they have been that for me.
Sometimes the church doesn't meet on Sunday.
Sometimes it's furry.
I'm learning that blessing comes by following the humble rabbi down a path that you wouldn't have chosen for yourself. Jesus knew he was going to the cross - even asked His Father if there was another job available. Beyond the suffering - the cross was humiliating. I'm sure he felt that being stripped and hung was a poor use of who he was. There were more to heal, teach, and love to greatness.
But He was the only one who could do what he did so God could bring grace to the world.
Maybe I'm the man for this job so God can bring more grace.
Not a bad job.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
nice bunny
It's amazing how hard parents work to get the happy Easter bunny picture to send to all the relatives. The child could be screaming as adults are flinging themselves about trying to get Junior to forget that he has been placed in the care of a giant rodent long enough to produce a reasonable smile. We all cheer when, through tear-stained cheeks, the joy of Easter appears for the briefest of moments, an we capture it on film.
In short, many of our pictures are bald-faced lies.
Again, don't read the words of a cynic. I just wonder how the world would change if we told the truth and didn't pretend that all is well when it clearly isn't.
If God is a God of truth, isn't it reasonable to assume that truth is the arena where he acts? If he wants to do good things for us, then my guess it's when we are being honest and not sugar coating.
So, I'm considering a life where if I'm scared of the bunny then that is the picture we are taking. Then maybe God will assure me that it's truly a nice bunny
In short, many of our pictures are bald-faced lies.
Again, don't read the words of a cynic. I just wonder how the world would change if we told the truth and didn't pretend that all is well when it clearly isn't.
If God is a God of truth, isn't it reasonable to assume that truth is the arena where he acts? If he wants to do good things for us, then my guess it's when we are being honest and not sugar coating.
So, I'm considering a life where if I'm scared of the bunny then that is the picture we are taking. Then maybe God will assure me that it's truly a nice bunny
Monday, March 15, 2010
tables in the temple
Being the Easter Bunny is fun. It's great to see smiles on faces and know that you are spreading wonder. However, at the end of the day, it's buisness. The company that runs the "set" is a photography studio, there is encouragement to "up-sell" packages and product, commitment to hit or beat projected "numbers", and, lest we forget, a bunny that is getting paid.
Now, before you get a cynical bee in your bonnet, I've got no problem with it. I think it's a great idea and a cool way to make a living. Why not do something that makes the world a little more magical on your quest to make a living? As I mentioned before, I'm a professional Christian minister. It's my life to make a living on grace.
But what about the whole "table flipping" incident that happened during the season we celebrate? Jesus went into the temple and busted skulls because people were in the temple trying to make a buck...right? Should I do the same? Protest any consumerism of what God has offered free?
Maybe.
Christianity has been no stranger to opportunists making a buck off elements of God's story. From indulgences to our modern industry...Christianity is a fool-proof money maker. And yes, there is elements of cynicism in my tone. I do get frustrated by the waste of resources that I see when children are starving and injustice reigns in many places on our planet, but I also know that people have to make a living and if we don't somehow make a profit, then no one has the time to bring good things.
The answer, I think, is found in the rabbi flipping tables.
He was angry, not that people were selling doves, but that they couldn't get to God without running the gauntlet of the marketplace. There were special coins and taxes placed on the people who already had limited resources. This put God, who removes any obsticle to be near to his people, farther and farther away.
This is what made Jesus get rowdy.
I saw one parent at the enterance to bunny world pointing me out to their little child. I motioned for the little one to come to see me, but dad replied that he didn't have the money for he photo.
"Seeing the Bunny is free" I wispered quietly and took the child to see the bunny
No buisness gets between a child and the bunny.
And no one should get between the God of the bunny and the children he loves.
Now, before you get a cynical bee in your bonnet, I've got no problem with it. I think it's a great idea and a cool way to make a living. Why not do something that makes the world a little more magical on your quest to make a living? As I mentioned before, I'm a professional Christian minister. It's my life to make a living on grace.
But what about the whole "table flipping" incident that happened during the season we celebrate? Jesus went into the temple and busted skulls because people were in the temple trying to make a buck...right? Should I do the same? Protest any consumerism of what God has offered free?
Maybe.
Christianity has been no stranger to opportunists making a buck off elements of God's story. From indulgences to our modern industry...Christianity is a fool-proof money maker. And yes, there is elements of cynicism in my tone. I do get frustrated by the waste of resources that I see when children are starving and injustice reigns in many places on our planet, but I also know that people have to make a living and if we don't somehow make a profit, then no one has the time to bring good things.
The answer, I think, is found in the rabbi flipping tables.
He was angry, not that people were selling doves, but that they couldn't get to God without running the gauntlet of the marketplace. There were special coins and taxes placed on the people who already had limited resources. This put God, who removes any obsticle to be near to his people, farther and farther away.
This is what made Jesus get rowdy.
I saw one parent at the enterance to bunny world pointing me out to their little child. I motioned for the little one to come to see me, but dad replied that he didn't have the money for he photo.
"Seeing the Bunny is free" I wispered quietly and took the child to see the bunny
No buisness gets between a child and the bunny.
And no one should get between the God of the bunny and the children he loves.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
fear
Kids all have a different approach to me when I'm in the suit. Some kids are thrilled and cannot wait to come up to me, give me a hug or high five, and hang with me for a photo. Others are terrified and cling to dissapointed and apologetic mommy necks. One mother even bribed her son with a future candy cane - forgetting, I think, what holiday she was celebrating. At the end of the day I'm an 8-foot bunny. The fear makes sense to me.
My thoughts as I watched how each kid (and parent) dealt with the fear wandered between parenting or personality. Do kids who are scared feel like their parents woud put them in harms way? Is it just that some people are scared and others not by their nature?
Certainly my kids were different. My eldest was horrified at the concept of any person dressed as a critter where as the next child was all in. I don't think my parenting was any different. One was filled with fear and the other lacked even the slightest.
No matter what the deal, most parents want the same thing. They want their child to trust them. No matter what the perception...if mom or dad says it's a nice bunny, then it's a nice bunny.
I imagine it was no different during the original lenten journey. Jesus spent his time trying to tell people what they were in line to do and to not be afraid. He, like every suburban parent I saw today, simply wanted to be believed because he knew good things were coming...no matter what it looked like.
And most, like a lot of the kids today, let fear rob them of the experience.
My thoughts as I watched how each kid (and parent) dealt with the fear wandered between parenting or personality. Do kids who are scared feel like their parents woud put them in harms way? Is it just that some people are scared and others not by their nature?
Certainly my kids were different. My eldest was horrified at the concept of any person dressed as a critter where as the next child was all in. I don't think my parenting was any different. One was filled with fear and the other lacked even the slightest.
No matter what the deal, most parents want the same thing. They want their child to trust them. No matter what the perception...if mom or dad says it's a nice bunny, then it's a nice bunny.
I imagine it was no different during the original lenten journey. Jesus spent his time trying to tell people what they were in line to do and to not be afraid. He, like every suburban parent I saw today, simply wanted to be believed because he knew good things were coming...no matter what it looked like.
And most, like a lot of the kids today, let fear rob them of the experience.
Friday, March 12, 2010
today is the day
It's a little after 8 am and I've taken a seat in the mall starbucks to process the day ahead and to look for God. Yesterday my sons and I had a conversation about the Easter Bunny and whether or not it's a "secular" (my eldest son's word - which tells me this is what he heard about the bunny) or sacred event. Leave it to his Dad to counter conventional church teaching, but I'm nothing if not consistent.
We talked about the Easter Bunny as a German tradition that celebrated the end of Lent. See, the bunny (or, the Osterhase if we are speaking of Germans) brought you the things you lost over the Lenten fast such as chocolate and yes, eggs. And what's more, he would bring them decorated! Got to love a bunny that goes the extra mile!
When the rabbit arrived, it marked the end of suffering and the welcoming of a new day.
Kinda like Jesus.
If we are willing to allow all good things to be God's good things. (I'm even ok with the fact that the word "Easter" is an anglo version of a German fertility goddess...I know it was one of God's good ideas). Anyway, if we allow all truth to be in the heart of God we can receive the Giant Holiday Hare as a symbol of the real thing. Just as the Bunny comes to end our suffering and give us good things, kids, so in real life Jesus comes into our Lent, breaks through the dark, and returns to us all that sin took from us - including chocolate bunnies.
So...I'm going to finish my coffee, put on my big, furry suit, and go be the best Jesus I can be.
Amen.
We talked about the Easter Bunny as a German tradition that celebrated the end of Lent. See, the bunny (or, the Osterhase if we are speaking of Germans) brought you the things you lost over the Lenten fast such as chocolate and yes, eggs. And what's more, he would bring them decorated! Got to love a bunny that goes the extra mile!
When the rabbit arrived, it marked the end of suffering and the welcoming of a new day.
Kinda like Jesus.
If we are willing to allow all good things to be God's good things. (I'm even ok with the fact that the word "Easter" is an anglo version of a German fertility goddess...I know it was one of God's good ideas). Anyway, if we allow all truth to be in the heart of God we can receive the Giant Holiday Hare as a symbol of the real thing. Just as the Bunny comes to end our suffering and give us good things, kids, so in real life Jesus comes into our Lent, breaks through the dark, and returns to us all that sin took from us - including chocolate bunnies.
So...I'm going to finish my coffee, put on my big, furry suit, and go be the best Jesus I can be.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
So...I'm the Easter Bunny
I'm not the sort of man who turns down an opportunity to do something that gives him a story. This was the case when I got a text message asking if I would consider the daytime shift as the Easter Bunny at the Bridgewater Mall. Apparently, most people have regular jobs or school that makes this impossible...but thankfully I don't have that problem.
I readily agreed.
It should be noted that I am a Christian minister. Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar and I've spent a lifetime hearing the complaints about the secularization of the day with colored eggs and the giant rabbit who hides them. I am all in where it comes to the sacrament of this holiday and believe against all odds that we celebrate a historical event that changed the world - one life at a time. However, I'm also all about those things that give joy to life - taking these as gifts of God and a result of the life that rose from the tomb.
In other words, I'm all about being the bunny.
As a part of my excitement about spring, the resurrection, and the meaning behind my new job, I've decided to keep a daily blog about this Easter's celebration from a very unique perspective - the perspective of the Easter Bunny. I'll tell you about the kids - fearful and fun. I'll grouse, I'm sure, about the mall mom's that will add their own ingredients to my experience. As I look through the mesh of my giant head I hope to see something about our world that I've never seen before and confront the resurrection of Jesus in an entirely new fashion.
I invite you to join me.
I readily agreed.
It should be noted that I am a Christian minister. Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar and I've spent a lifetime hearing the complaints about the secularization of the day with colored eggs and the giant rabbit who hides them. I am all in where it comes to the sacrament of this holiday and believe against all odds that we celebrate a historical event that changed the world - one life at a time. However, I'm also all about those things that give joy to life - taking these as gifts of God and a result of the life that rose from the tomb.
In other words, I'm all about being the bunny.
As a part of my excitement about spring, the resurrection, and the meaning behind my new job, I've decided to keep a daily blog about this Easter's celebration from a very unique perspective - the perspective of the Easter Bunny. I'll tell you about the kids - fearful and fun. I'll grouse, I'm sure, about the mall mom's that will add their own ingredients to my experience. As I look through the mesh of my giant head I hope to see something about our world that I've never seen before and confront the resurrection of Jesus in an entirely new fashion.
I invite you to join me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
