Rabbit

The rabbit was sitting on the edge of the woods very close to fox's hole. The hummingbird flew by, saw rabbit just sitting there and stopped to ask him why.

"What are you doing here?" hummingbird said.

"I'm sitting here enjoying this lovely evening." rabbit said.

"You should leave. The fox is near," hummingbird said.

"I love the feel and taste of the grass here. Isn't it beautiful?" rabbit said.

"Didn't you hear me? The fox's hole is right there. You're in danger," hummingbird said.

The rabbit hopped one baby hop closer to the fox's den.

"I know where the fox's hole is, but I'm not afraid," rabbit said.

The hummingbird was shocked.

"You should be afraid. The fox will eat you. Hurry back to your hole," hummingbird said.

"The fox is just misunderstood. I think he and I can be good friends," rabbit said.

"The fox has three hungry babies in his den. He is not interested in being your friend," hummingbird said.

Rabbit inched closer to the hole. From his position over rabbit hummingbird could see a pair of glowing yellow eyes peering out from the dark circle. Rabbit kept slowly moving toward the entrance.

"Rabbit, I know you have babies back in your clutch. I see them ever day I fly by. They're hungry too. Go home to them," hummingbird said.

"Not until I speak with my friend, fox. We will begin a new era of peace. The example of the fox and the rabbit will be seen and heard by all who live in wood and meadow. Others will follow our example and old enemies will become quick friends," rabbit said.

Just then fox emerged from his hole.

"Well, if it isn't my old friend rabbit. How are you today, sir?" fox asked.

Rabbit sat up and looked the fox in the eye.

"I am very well, thank you." Turning to hummingbird he said, "Do you see how polite and mannered he is? This is starting out splendidly," rabbit said.

"Run away rabbit before it's too late," hummingbird said.

"Don't listen to hummingbird. He's so stuck in the past," fox said.

"I know he is, but maybe he can change just as we have. Let's invite him to be a part of our new era of peace," rabbit said.

"Splendid. Let's all go inside where we can properly inaugurate this new era. We will celebrate with a feastival, festival of joy. Come, hummingbird, join us," fox said.

"Not I," said hummingbird.

"Very well then. Rabbit and I will take our leave of you now. Come, rabbit, something new awaits," fox said.

"Yes, indeed," said rabbit.

Hummingbird watched in horror as rabbit and fox vanished into the fox's den paw in paw.

The next day fox seemed fatter and rabbit's clutch was empty. Rabbit was never seen again and the new era of peace ended as quickly as it began.

Why do we continue to try to be friendly with the world? We too should heed the words of the hummingbird. Friendship with the world is enmity with God.

Stay Strong!