I watched the movie Christopher Robin over the weekend. I had seen it before but I love the characters in the book.
When MK and I started dating I received one of my favorite Christmas presents ever. We set a limit of $25 and MK got me a stuffed "Tigger" with a pair of windshield wipers attached to his feet as skis. She said I reminded her of Tigger - that bouncy tiger.
Tigger was this restless and impulsiveness animal who had a lack of fear and responsibility. But, he is always filled with great energy, optimism and is always well-meaning. At times, though, his actions lead to chaos and trouble for himself and his friends.
How did she ever know this was me? By the way, I still have this Tigger in our bedroom and every time I see him and fall in love with her more!
What brought me to tears was a statement Winnie the Poo made near the end of the movie: "Today is my favorite day. When it was yesterday, and today was tomorrow, it was too much day for me."
Think about it. How many of us are enjoying today? On the contrary, how many of us are focused on tomorrow without thinking how wonderful today is?
As leaders, as Christians, as people so caught up in the world of Covid-19 - how many of us simply focus on tomorrow? In many neighborhoods the epidemic has grabbed hold of peoples' throats and make them forget to think about today.
In our neighborhood, just the opposite has happened. We have gotten to know our neighbors better than ever before. We have gone through three deaths together. Two retirements. Several birthdays. If it wasn't for Covid-19 many of us would not even know our neighbor's names. Now we are great friends.
As Christian Leaders we need to focus on today. We need to focus on the love we can share today. The love of Christ we've learned. The "virtual Covid hugs" we can provide to others. The love we can share, even though we are looking at each other with masks drawn tight.
We forgot to look at each other as neighbors. Many were too concerned about another's politics instead of focusing on their needs. Many looked at other's race. Their sexual preferences.
Winnie the Pooh would describe us as Eeyore - pessimistic, gloomy and depressed. If you've read the book or seen the movie you know EXACATLY what I'm talking about.
Years ago I learned that having one foot in yesterday and another in tomorrow, give you no alternative but to "piss on" today.
But, it took a character such as Winnie the Pooh, to simplify for many of us.
Thanks, Pooh. Thanks, Tigger.
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