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As you can probably tell from here and here, I’m a big fan of Winnie the Pooh. I pretty well ignored him during my first childhood, but in my second – with my own children – he and his friends became some of my favorite characters.
There in the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh is a model of contentment. He helps his friends, enjoys the outdoors, doesn’t fret about his weight, and never loses his patience. He loves his honey, and his only real worry is seeing to it he has a plentiful supply. His friends are high-strung (Rabbit), insecure (Piglet), maternal (Kanga), and playful (Roo), gloomy (Eeyore), egotistical (Owl), and irresponsible (Tigger).
Winnie the Pooh? He’s just proud to be here.
I think I may have found the secret to the chubby cub’s contentment. Just outside the hollow tree where he lives is a log that is used for sitting. Beside the log is a sign that reads, “The Thotful Spot.” Being a Bear of Very Little Brain, Pooh must think hard, and think often. Whenever there is a problem or a confusing question, or practically any occasion that requires a brain, he returns to the Thotful Spot to think. He doesn’t always come up with the right answers. But he always comes away with an idea. And he always comes away happy.
Everybody needs a Thoughtful Spot. A place to calm down. A place to be still. A place to forget the never-ending demands of home or work life. A place to learn, to imagine, to dream, to grow. A place that isn’t overloaded with electronic wizardry or noise. A place to create. A place to pray. A place to listen. A place to. . . think!
Jesus had His thoughtful spots. So did Paul. In fact, I would dare say that anybody who ever did anything great for God or for the world had spent quality time in their own Thoughtful Spot. You and I are no exception.
Come often to the Thoughtful Spot. You don’t have to stay long – Pooh never does – as long as you come frequently. Come with a quiet spirit, and a listening heart. Come with a desire to learn, and a willingness to change. Let your mind rest some, and work some, and play some.
Bring a companion, if you wish. A book, perhaps, or your fishing rod. Maybe a notebook, or a sandwich. Whatever gets your spirit quiet and your mental wheels turning. You can bring a person, but only if they are thoughtful, too.
Bring your problems to the Thoughtful Spot. Learn to see them as challenges that you and God can solve when you “put your heads together.” Bring your observations and your questions. Bring your memories, happy and sad. Bring your ever-changing dreams for the future. Oh, and bring your “very little brain.” You don’t have to be a genius. Just. . . thougtful!
If you are spending more time and energy reacting than you do reflecting, then your stress level is probably too high. Come back to the Thoughtful Spot. You may not leave with all your questions answered. But you’ll be a whole lot healthier.
Happier, too.
