Remember the donkey
in Winnie the Pooh? He's the one that usually managed to see the dark side of
everything! There always seemed to be something wrong in Eeyore's world. But I
never found anyone that was all that fond of Eeyore. Know any people like that?
I know I do!
Here’s how you spot
Eeyore: Eeyore always has a way of focusing on the rain instead of the rainbow!
Eeyore has clothes in the closet, but because they don’t have name brands, Eeyore
complains. Eeyore has food to eat, but because it’s not his favorite restaurant
chain, Eeyore complains. Eeyore has money for a bus pass, but complains about
walking to the bus stop. Eeyore has a car, but complains because it’s not as
new as his neighbor’s. Eeyore has a wife but complains because she’s not the
distorted perfection image he had in mind. Eeyore has a job, but complains
about going to work every-day. Eeyore has money in the bank, but complains
because it’s not a million dollars. Eeyore has an apartment to live in, but complains
because she would rather live in a house. Eeyore complains if hair is too
short, or too long; if it’s hot or cold; if it’s sunny or snowing; if he’s in
the North or the South! Eeyore Finds Everything to Complain About, Yet Nothing
to Celebrate! Think about it: It's amazing how one negative person can be a
cloud that blots out the sun for everybody else.
Only if Eeyore knew
the Word of God found in Nehemiah 8:10, “…This day is holy to God. Don’t feel
bad. The joy of God is your strength!” (MSG). In a nutshell: The Joy of the
Lord is Your Strength; Your Stronghold and Your Protection! Therefore, Who
Wouldn’t Be Happy About That? Let’s be honest, we all know some two-legged
Eeyore’s! They’re on the job, in the church, in school, and even living under
our own roof! They are the people who respond to the pressures and problems of
life by throwing a party - a pity party that is, for themselves (yet always
managing to invite you to the festivities…voluntarily or involuntarily)! You
can’t live a healthy life under a daily dark cloud! So what’s the cure? JOY! Listen:
Nehemiah had been through all kinds of burdens, challenges, and attacks. Yet,
here's what he said, "Do not grieve. For the joy of the Lord is your
strength." See, joy gives the ability to look for God in any situation and
ask the question, "How could God use this?"
Let's Be Honest: You Might
Not Particularly Like What's Going On In Your Life Right Now, But You Must Know
That It Had To Pass Through God's Hands Before It Got To Yours! Which Means, He's
Okayed It! Job 1:8, “And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my
servant Job…” The Message Bible says it like this: “God said to Satan, “Have
you noticed my friend Job…” (MSG).
Now, I’m all for
receiving a person’s recommendation, but God this was a bit much! How do you
call me your friend, and yet recommend me to Satan all in the same sentence?!
However, God would never okay it if He wasn't able to work through this, if He
didn't have a purpose in allowing it. Jeremiah 29:10-11, "This is God’s
Word on the subject...I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring
you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take
care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
(MSG) Trust God, He Knows What He's Doing!.
Eeyore was known for
complaining, moping, looking depressed, and living under a consistent dark
cloud. And if you’ve become Eeyore, today is your day to change characters. Think
about this: At the moment you’re reading this, someone just received the phone
call that their loved one has passed away; someone’s home is being foreclosed on;
someone is being evicted; someone is battling with addiction; someone was just
diagnosed with a terminal disease; someone’s marriage just ended; someone’s
child has run away from home; someone just committed suicide; someone is
beating and abusing their own wife; someone is scraping together coins to get a
can of corn for dinner; someone needs a coat for the changing season but
doesn’t have one; someone woke up on the park bench; someone received a pink
slip after 20 years on the job; someone is getting prepped for surgery;
someone’s church or business doors are closing…and again, the list is endless.
So today, step back
from worrying, fretting and fussing about everything, and find something to be
grateful for. It doesn’t matter how big or how small it is, just be grateful
for it and watch your gratitude turn into joy that will ultimately turn your
day and life completely around for the better!
Today Deliberately
Decide to Be Joyful! It’s the Cure for Eeyore-itis!
Blessings
J.P. Olson
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