When I was a kid, Winnie-the-Pooh was one of my favourite Disney cartoons. So you can imagine my excitement when Disney introduced the movie, Christopher Robin. The only character I was never a big fan of was Eeyore, the donkey. He was always so pessimistic, gloomy and depressed that he’s just not my cup of tea. (My sister-in-law disagrees with me and thinks he’s rather cute. I’m glad someone sees him that way!) But thankfully, there’s still a lesson to be learned from his gloomy character.
Eeyore reminds me of what we’re like without God: pessimistic, depressed and gloomy all the time. Optimism, joy and gladness are something we experience when we allow God into our hearts and lives. As we journey with Him through life, we begin to know real joy and peace like never before. No, life doesn’t get better when we’re born again, but our attitude does. It’s not God’s will that we lead miserable lives. He is the source of true joy. It offends Him when we don’t turn to Him for joy when we’re in the pits. Just like everything else, joy is a choice. I pray it’s one we all choose today.
Rising with the Son 