Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh, Part 2

 

“I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” ~ Piglet

 

I find Piglet’s question to be one worth pondering.  We are so caught up in the narrative of negativity and sacristy, that we miss traces of God’s grace.  Or, if we sense the Sacred we tend to keep that to ourselves rather than shouting and sharing God’s love with others.  Our cultural script is one of, “this is the worst time ever.”  Remember, author A.A. Milne lived through both World Wars in England close to the horrific actions of Germany.  He witnessed atrocities humans are capable of, and he created a cast of characters that teach us another way.  Piglet is often seen as shy, perhaps not as self-assured as the others in the Winnie the Pooh’s cast.  But, his question is one we could ask ourselves this morning.  What is going to happen today that is exciting?  It doesn’t have to be special or spectacular.  It could be a surprise phone call from family or friends.  The excitement can come in reading a book. The excitement can be walking outside or sitting to breathe a be.  When we wonder, we are open to the fullness of life with all its mystery ~ the good, the not so great, and the downright difficult.  To wonder is a prayer posture ~ because God rarely shows up in the exact way we expect ~ think of Mary’s life interrupted to be the God-bearer of Jesus.  To wonder is to lean in to life with all that is rather than hold everything at arm’s length with a critical or cynical eye.  We need moments when we take off the armor we often wear that we believe will shelter or shield us for the hurts and harms.  Yet, the armor I wear does not always protect me from the off-the-cuff comments on social media or the words people say that minimize/rationalize pain I might be feeling.  To live with anticipation and openness that today something exciting is going to happen.  Today something life-giving will happen.  I would love for YOU to share what is exciting, the beautiful and ordinary on this Tuesday midway through the month of July.  I can’t wait to hear what you say.  Amen.