A short story based on Deut. 14:1-20
Hump, Bunny and Oinker were excited over the announcement that they werent on the menu for the children of Israel. From now on their lives would be a lot happier. Or would it?
As the three of them met at the watering hole to celebrate, a discussion arose about their new freedom.
Hump began, Well, guys, lets drink up to freedom! Then he plunged his huge nose into the cool spring water and took a long drink. When Hump drank, the water in the spring evaporated fast.
Bunny spoke next, Ill drink to that, its a hoppy day for us all. Hoppy day, get it? Its a hoppy day. Hump started laughing as he drank and hosed down everyone. Bunny shook his wet, drooping ears and scolded, Hump, cut it out. It wasnt all that funny.
Hump lowered his heavy eyelids and slobbered, Sorry.
Bunny continued, Just think, we dont have to worry about winding up on a roasting stick or in a stew pot.
Oinker was noticeably silent.
Hump said between gulps, Come on, Oinker, have a drink to freedom and liberty but dont you dare jump in and start your rolling around. Oinker only stared at his reflection in the pool.
Come on Oinker, dont be a stick in the mud, joked Bunny. Oinker grunted weakly, You guys dont get it, do you? God has rejected us. Were not on the menu because God said were unclean. Hump choked a loud, Galumph, and said, Thats right, God said that. Bunny not to be disheartened, responded, Well if thats how you feel then lets go see old Hoots and ask for his wisdom about this whole thing.
So, the three took a long drink for the road and set off to find Hoots, the desert owl. They found him sitting, as usual, on a gnarled branch of his favorite bush. Bunny started, We have come to you with a problem because we know you give a hoot Oinker interrupted, Hoots, God has rejected us and I dont understand why.
Hoots yawned but began his expected wisdom, Relax, my dear Oinker. We are all part of Gods creation. He said you were unclean because of the children of Israel. You see, Oinker, they couldnt travel well with a whole herd of your kind. As for you, Bunny, if they had to chase your kind all over creation before dinner every night they would never reach the Promised Land. My dear, dear Hump, if they ate you for lunch who would carry their cargo?
You see, each one of you was created for a special purpose and it wasnt to be a main dish or a sacrifice for the children of Israel. Lets consider Brother Bull and Sister Lamb. Let me be quite frank about them. Its true they are eligible for the sacrifices but lets face it, neither one of them are very intelligent. We are created with strengths and weaknesses but God creates us for His usefulness.
Hump, someday, great artists will use your hair, camel hair, for brushes to paint the worlds finest masterpieces.
Bunny, you will be on menus in other lands and your fur will warm children in the freezing winter.
Oinker, you will become very popular on many other menus and your hair bristles will be fashioned into brushes to groom kings and queens. You will be so useful in many ways that it will be said the only part of you thrown away is your squeal.
Now I hope you can see that you all have a specific part in Gods plan. God has said no to being used by Israel but God is also saying yes to your qualities that help other people in other places.
So, you see, you should feel very glad and very special that He has created you to be you! With that, old Hoots breathed a deep sigh, closed his big eyes, and went back to sleep.
Hump, Bunny, and Oinker quietly tiptoed away without another word. Now they knew why God created them and how they were part of Gods plan. And as Bunny would say, They lived hoppily ever after.
Copyright 2001 Glenn White
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