EEYORE IN A TIGGER WORLD

I often look at my husband and think of Eeyore, the famed donkey from the Winnie the Pooh series of books.  Eeyore is not only blue, in the sense of color; but also in his sad, droopy demeanor.

I have refrained from nicknaming my husband after the story book character, believing strongly in such things as self-fulfilled prophecy, believing equals receiving and that labels stick, except when you are applying them to packages.

Not that there is anything wrong with the beloved story book character.  Nothing that a healthy dose of self-esteem couldn’t help.

Now, when you take a look at another character from the same series of books, you certainly can’t fail to note a contrast in personalities.  I’m talking about the wildly enthusiastic, effervescent personality of Tigger.  One who, if he were not between the covers of a book, by today’s standards, would likely be suspected of being on drugs, or perhaps, needing them.

As I stated, what a contrast between the two.  And it is this contrast I recently noted to my husband, when I compared him to several fellow employees where he works.  – Yes, I know I said I didn’t nickname him Eeyore, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t compare him to the often depressed blue donkey.

You see, my husband was quite depressed after receiving his annual work evaluation.  For the second year in a row he was told he is an excellent truck driver; he has a perfect safety record, he is neat and clean, and does everything by the book.  However – and it was this minor point that frustrated him – he is not considered as productive as the other drivers.

He just couldn’t understand what he was doing wrong.  After his first review he had begun doing everything he could think of, short of breaking the speed limit, hoping to do his job more swiftly.  He’d even taken a few short cuts he’d learned about, hoping to shave minutes off his driving time.  In frustration he wondered what else he could do?

Considering no reputable company would tell a driver to drive beyond the speed limits, I wondered what difference there could be between my conscientious husband and the other drivers who were more profitable.

I couldn’t help but think it had something to do with personality.  While my husband, loving and dear as he is, has an Eeyore personality; many of the other drivers have personalities more like Tigger.  Could this be a factor in why they are profitable and he is not?

I asked him to consider this.  If Eeyore went into a busy office he would likely stand off in a corner by himself, quietly waiting to be acknowledged; while, Tigger might bounce into the office, a bundle of lively excitement impossible for anyone to ignore.

While Eeyore silently waited patiently for someone in the busy office to review his paperwork, Tigger’s paperwork would be quickly handled.  Now, there could be two very different reasons for this; but in either case, Tigger’s paperwork is done swiftly, while Eeyore quietly waits to be noticed.

Now I know so far I’ve been tossing around some pretty worldly ideas that may contradict some Biblical ones.  I mean, look at what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount about people who are poor of spirit, or those who mourn; and we certainly don’t want to forget the meek.  Jesus promises special things for them.

However, reading the entire section of Matthew 5: 3-12, known as the Beatitudes, you see many other rewards for particular behaviors.  Maybe not earthly rewards, but they are for earthly behaviors.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.  The merciful will be shown mercy.  The pure of heart will see God.  The peacemakers will be called sons of God.  And the persecuted because of righteousness will find that their’s is the kingdom of heaven.

What wonderful promises!  Not for Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Piglet and Winnie the Pooh; but for us!  Real promises for real people!

So, what about the situation with my husband?  What about Eeyore in a Tigger world?

Maybe something more can be learned about attitude from those story-book characters -- Tigger with his joyful nature.  Kanga with her sense of calm security.  Roo filled with the innocence and wonder of youth.  Hard-working Rabbit.  Piglet with his love for others.  Winnie the Pooh and his wisdom.  And, Eeyore with his humble quest for what is right and fair.

Quite possibly our personalities should be the sum total of all these traits as best we can live them.   In all aspects of our lives, not just on Sunday, but every day.  Including those work days when it may seem hardest.

Finally, as verse twelve of the Beatitudes states, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (CEV)

My husband may not have gotten the raise he feels he should have, but because of those many attitudes he possesses, look how greatly God will reward him when he gets to heaven!