Pooh, Eeyore, or Tigger?

Do you embrace people who are different than you are?

I have always loved the Winnie the Pooh books . I remember being at camp when I was young, sitting under a big willow tree, and listening to one of the directors read about Christopher Robin, Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and the other colorful characters, and how they solved various conflicts. The storyteller was also very good at imitating the voices of the cast and not a summer went by when she wasn’t cajoled into singing the “Tigger Song.”Each of these lovable creatures had a distinct personality. Pooh Bear was somewhat naive and slow witted but very friendly and likable. Tigger was the epitome of positiveness while Eeyore was very sad and generally a poor soul. Yet each of them had their place in the story and brought what they could within the confines of their temperament.

These personality types are not far from reality. Each of us has a natural tendency towards one or more of them. That is how God made us and, while we may need to work on areas that can be improved, each of these outlooks on life is needed.

I was reminded recently of a much loved man who has now gone home to be with Jesus in heaven. He was such a positive influence to all around him and encouraged many with his confident outlook on life. The story was told of a time when the baseball team he helped coach landed in a less than desirable hotel. While everyone else was complaining about the poor accommodations, his response was, “What is all the grumbling about? What difference does it make what the room is like when you close your eyes to sleep? You can’t see it anyway.” That was just the reminder that everyone needed.

On the other hand there are times when Eeyore is needed. Those who are always putting a positive spin on everything may miss something that is seriously wrong. There are times when those of us who are a little more down to earth need to bring the Tiggers back to reality.

God has made us each just as He would have us to be. He has put us together to encourage and build each other up. Never look down on someone who is different from you. Get to know them. They just might have something that you are missing.

Love,

Mama