Rabbits

There are probably only 2 of you will get this post and understand what I'm really talking about; my sister and my friend Linda. But it is a intricate part of our family and needs telling.

This morning I was woken up by a bright eyed, big grinned 7 year old shouting:

RABBITS

Now to a normal mom it would be obsurd to have your child do such a thing. Meaningless, crazy and obsurd. Why Rabbits? It's not even Easter, right?

Here's the jist of the long running story:
While in Bible College we had a special man who worked in the dishroom of the cafeteria. I have absolutely no idea where this Rabbits game originated but it surely kept me on track of the date!
The first day of every month it was a big challenge to make it into the lunchroom and shout out RABBITS before he did. And it was always a joy to see the expression and vibrant look on his face. Then I'd get my tray, sit down to eat and hear one after another shouts of "Rabbits" as other students came in. I don't know if it was the highlight of his month, but it was one of mine!

After college I began working at a small church near my hometown. The Senior Pastor had gone to the same Bible College years ago and was in on the monthly, meaningless joke as well. Which quickly spread to the rest of the staff.

Upon marrying my husband, who attended seminary at the same college...Rabbits became another "normal" part of our married relationship. In fact it became quite the unhealthy competition each month. Midnight would roll around and if one of us was awake and remembered...the word was delightfully shouted in all its glory.

So as you've figured, we have passed this tradition down to our children. They don't get the whole meaning of why we say it either. But it is a delightful way to begin each month. I have noticed though that with age and energetic children, the shout of the victorious *Rabbits* seems to be announced earlier and earlier in our day.

And the grand prize to all this jibberish...absolutely nothin'. Ahh, nothin' but the pride in being the winner of remembering!

So, happy RABBITS day to you.