It’s important to remember that Lent is not mandated by God, but repentance is. Forming a habit of honest self-assessment and seeking the Lord’s mercy does not make us perpetually depressed souls, but, as Schmemann claims, softens our hearts so that we thirst for God and to be in a deeper relationship with Him.

But to Peter’s point, he understood Jesus’ transfiguration indicated what he would be like at the end of the age. No matter how long Jesus was delayed in coming back, Peter had the image of Christ in all his glory on the mountain seared into his mind. Peter’s words are clear: “What I have told you is the truth, so be attentive, keep the faith, and keep your lamp burning until the morning star returns.”

The story would be incomplete without Eeyore, and our kids would miss some important lessons about the full gamut of human emotions. His gloomy presence is needed just as much as Tigger’s energy and spunk. Eeyore matters, even if he’s not the most jovial character, and we can honestly say the story would be different without him.

Death does not have the final say over us or those we love but see no longer. She danced as a reminder of our hope in Jesus and the power of his resurrection.