By Mike Klockenbrink
The old grey donkey, Eeyore, stood by himself in a thistly corner of the Forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, “Why?” and sometimes he thought, “Wherefore?” and sometimes he thought, “Inasmuch as which?” and sometimes he didn’t quite know what he was thinking about. – Winnie the Pooh
Have you ever had any Eeyores in your life? I’m sure you know someone like this. You may even work or live with an Eeyore.
Some people just have a different perspective on life. Take Tigger for example. Tigger is bouncy, full of enthusiasm, and fun-fun-fun! His self-image couldn’t be better: “The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is that I’m the only one!” He often forgets that his friends don’t like to be bounced upon. But he keeps everyone on their toes, and they love him for it!
I don’t want to be around Eeyores all the time, nor do I want to be around Tiggers all the time. Both can be very draining. There needs to be a balance. I personally lean more toward the Tigger personality most of the time. I do however experience my own Eeyore moments. This is when I need to hang out with the Tiggers around me. They are just what the doctor ordered to pick my spirits up.
It’s not always so easy for the Eeyores in our life. Most people want to stay away from them. It’s not that they’re bad people – they just have a different outlook on things. You know who these people are. They may be in the cube next to you. So what have you done lately to help change their perspective?
Maybe if we acted a little more like Winnie the Pooh. He is a friendly, thoughtful and sometimes insightful character who is always willing to help his friends and try his best.
Maybe some of the Eeyores in our life would say,
“Thank you, Pooh. You’re a real friend. Not Like Some.” – Winnie the Pooh
Mike Klockenbrink is chief of staff at Lakeside Church, Folsom, CA. www.lakesidechurch.com
