$500 – One string attached…

One of my favorite stories from my childhood is that of Barrington Bunny.  It is a short story found in a small anthology entitled The Way of the Wolf.  For those unfamiliar with Barrington, it is the story of a rabbit who delivers gifts to other animals in the forest on Christmas Eve simply because they are his family.  And with each gift he leaves a note reading, “A gift.  A free gift.  No strings attached.”  At the end of the story, Barrington gives the ultimate gift as he lays down his life in order to rescue a tiny mouse lost in a terrible blizzard.  Barrington’s final gift is the same as the others, a free gift, no strings attached.  And no one notices, except the silver wolf that stands guard over his body throughout Christmas Day.

One of my favorite stories as an adult is that of what I call “Jolene’s $500”.  Many of you have heard me tell this story, or perhaps even read it via Show Hope when our family’s adoption story was featured in one of their posts.  For years I have relayed its details in an effort to convince people that money should never be the reason a family turns away from adoption.  In 2002, when we made the decision to pursue an international adoption, we literally had $500 in hand that we could apply toward the process - a process we knew full well would cost somewhere near $20,000 to complete.  We did not know where the money would come from – we had ideas for fundraisers, we had family and friends supporting us, and we even had two full-time jobs providing good paychecks, but we had no guarantees.  What we did have was our faith in God and our measly $500.  And, by God’s grace and awesome provision, a little over two years later we returned home from China with our beautiful new daughter and exactly $500 in cash.  No joke.  Jolene’s $500, still in our possession, right down to the last cent.

About two years ago, with much joy, Dan and I decided to take that $500 and give it to another family just beginning their adoption journey.  A couple much like we had been, embarking on a new and costly adventure, trusting the Lord to provide the funds.  The day I gave our friends the check they tried to tell me it was too much, that it was too generous.  I assured them that the amount was just right, reminded them that it was Jolene’s $500, and simply asked that in return they someday pay it forward by helping another family with another adoption.  They agreed.  And this week that family did just that.  After much prayer and consideration this family followed their hearts and donated Jolene’s $500 toward Jack’s adoption.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that someday that money would be coming back to US.   But here it is again, making its way into yet another adoption story.  A miracle unto itself.  A gift.  A free gift.  But with one string attached.

I will openly admit, I was elated to receive this very generous donation.   The very morning it arrived our adoption fund had dwindled to a mere $28, and we have yet to raise all $800 we need to pay the rest of our home study fees.  But even more than just being appreciative, I am now even more anxious to complete this adoption and bring Jack home so that we may be directed to the next recipients of Jolene’s $500.  What I thought was simply a gift toward one family’s journey has now somehow turned into a journey of a new kind.  This money has taken on a life of its own.  I can only imagine that in ten years there will be multiple families recalling the story of how “Jolene’s $500” appeared in their journey, just at the right time.  A gift.  A free gift.  With just one string attached.  When you accept the money, you commit to a future of paying it forward.  A future of helping to care for orphans.

Strange as it may seem, the part of Barrington Bunny’s story that has always captivated my imagination is not the bunny itself.  It is the silver wolf who comes to stand over Barrington’s frozen body, standing still throughout the day without saying a word.  Standing in reverence, in support, and in love.  I can’t really explain what it is I like about this image, but perhaps it is how I imagine God to be.  Ever-present.  Ever-watchful.  A bulwark of strength.  And yet a quiet protector attending our every need while the rest of the world is too caught up in its own excitement to notice the sacrifices one might make for another.  When Barrington Bunny snuggled tightly around that tiny little mouse his thoughts were not on what he would gain by his actions.  He chose to protect that little mouse because he has been blessed by his Creator with a gift and it was his to share as he wished.  

I pray that this be our choice as well.  Dan and I have been greatly blessed by our Creator.  We have house and home, family and friends, children who love us and a son who is waiting to join us.  He has provided for this adoption so far, and though my head may be tempted to worry and doubt when that adoption fund balance begins to run low, my heart knows His strength and His ever –present protection is always in its place.  This week has been proof-positive of as much, and I continue to be awestruck by the miracles and provisions rained upon us as we trust Him.  Our Heavenly Father loves and provides for His children, granting gifts just as we need them.  Free gifts, no strings attached.

                

I invite you to read the story of Barrington Bunny and I pray that it touches you as it has me for many years.  http://www.angelfire.com/music/lefantome/bunny.html

For a walk down memory lane, you can read our Show Hope adoption testimony at -

http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Landingpage_Shipley