An Interactive Post

Today's post is going to be what we education-types call "interactive." In this particular case, it means that I'm going to post a short passage (from nothing else but the book Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne, no less!) followed by a guiding question, and anyone who cares to respond may do so in whatever way he/she thinks fits.

"'Eeyore,' said Owl, 'Christopher Robin is giving a party.'

"'Very interesting,' said Eeyore. 'I suppose they will be sending me down the odd bits which got trodden on. Kind and Thoughtful. Not at all, don't mention it.'

"'There is an Invitation for you.'

"'What's that like?'

"'An Invitation!'

"'Yes, I heard you. Who dropped it?'

"'This isn't anything to eat, it's asking you to the party. Tomorrow.'

"Eeyore shook his head slowly.

"'You mean Piglet. The little fellow with the excited ears. That's Piglet. I'll tell him.'

"'No, no!' said Owl, getting quite fussy. 'It's you!'

"'Are you sure?'

"'Of course I'm sure. Christopher Robin said "All of them! Tell all of them."'

"'All of them, except Eeyore?'

"'All of them,' said Owl sulkily.

"'Ah!' said Eeyore. 'A mistake, no doubt, but still, I shall come. Only don't blame me if it rains.'" (152-53)

(Milne, A. A. Winnie the Pooh. New York: Puffin Books, 1992.)

So, based on this passage, I would ask:

1. Does this remind you of anything, to start with?

2. Have you ever felt like Eeyore did here? (Explain, if you wish)

3. Have you ever met anyone who behaved like Eeyore? (Elaborate, if you want)

4. Have you ever responded like Owl to someone like Eeyore? (Tell us how, if you're comfortable)

5. (And this one's really deep:) Do you suppose there are people who respond to salvation in the same way that Eeyore responds to the idea of an invitation specifically for him? How should we respond to such people's incredulous questions? What do we do if they don't believe us, in the end?

Just for your consideration. Respond to as many or as few as you wish.

Be seeing you!