Meet George, a serious contender for Rabbit of the Year. George accompanies patients and their families awaiting test results, post-surgery, a diagnosis. George is a Flemish Giant rabbit, a welcomed distraction, and a messenger from God. As Chaplain, I sometimes make my rounds with George, entering into the holy spaces of lives, the greatly anticipated and dreaded lull before the brave conversation. The brave conversation can be about hoping – for a cure, for a treatment, for a miracle. A brave conversation can be about trusting – in medical science, in self and relationships, in God. A brave conversation can be about coping – challenges of physical limits, spiritual and emotional response, choosing to live one’s best life a day or an hour at a time. A brave conversation does not have to be spoken. Like George, just being sent by God to be there speaks volumes.
When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— What is man that you are mindful of him and a son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet: even the beasts of the field, all sheep and oxen, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
PSALM 8: 4-10