INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday was the annual watch with anticipation to see if the groundhog would see his shadow. Six more weeks of winter or spring around the corner? Yes, yesterday was groundhog day, which has been celebrated since the late 1800s. I’m sure everyone knows about the tradition, if ole Punxsutawney Phil, (the famous groundhog), sees his shadow and runs back inside his burrow, we are destined for six more weeks of winter. However, did you know that February 2nd is actually a Christian feast, known as Candlemas commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the holy temple in Jerusalem? Early Christians believed that a sunny Candlemas meant another 40 days of cold and snow. Just a little history lesson there 🙂 .

Well, yesterday, Phil did indeed see his shadow, and of course, social media was filled with pictures and memes sharing the dreaded news. Ugh, six more weeks of winter. I’m sure our friends in Texas, where they’ve gotten whacked with snow and ice this week, are celebrating? Are we really going to have to endure the dreaded cold, snow, and ice for another six weeks?

I did some digging for this little blog this morning and I have good news. Did you know that our buddy Punxsutawney Phil is only correct about his forecast 50 percent of the time? I’m thinking that he shouldn’t quit his day job to become a weather forecaster.

It’s interesting how we tend to put so much faith in the tradition of something like an animal seeing its shadow. A groundhog can put people into a “funk” for days thinking that the cold and gloomy weather is going to continue. Ok, that might be an exaggeration, but I guess my point is, we should enjoy the fun of the tradition, and share in the festivities, but not put our trust in it.

I think we often look for ways to predict what will happen in our lives. It’s more comfortable to have a clear path for the future. Well friends we all know that just doesn’t happen. You know what I’m going to say…that’s why we need to put our trust in Father. Living each day, being the best we can be, helping others where we can, sharing our love of God, and making this world of ours better, that’s our mission.

So, I’m banking on the fact that Phil is wrong at least half the time. I’ll put my trust in God that he’ll guide us through these final weeks of winter, letting the earth get the moisture it needs to rejuvenate itself for spring. Before we know it, the green of the leaves and the hearty tulips will start making their way through the last remnants of the snow.

Have a wonderful day my friends and remember, God is always with us, regardless of the season 🙂 .

Psalm 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.