Once again, we celebrate Groundhog’s Day, a time to consider upcoming weather predictions and what we can do about them. Read on about the famous groundhog.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Punxsutawney Phil
On February 2nd, we celebrate the 133rd anniversary of Groundhog Day. In the early 1800s, February 2nd became the day residents of Punxsutawney, PA, watched to see if any wild animals came out of hibernation. If an animal saw its shadow from the sun, it meant six more weeks of winter. If there was no shadow, it meant an early spring. Eventually, the people of Punxsutawney chose a mascot, one of the plentiful groundhogs in that region. Today one of them is kept safe in its own house, and wakened each Feb. 2nd to offer its prediction.
The day has become a national, perhaps worldwide, week-long celebration that eventually resulted in the Groundhog Club, of which thousands of people claim membership.
Why a groundhog? The rodent, a woodchuck related to the marmot, is the largest of the ground squirrels. It is extremely intelligent. But can it predict the weather? Perhaps, since wild animals are believed to foretell storms and other weather phenomena.
Groundhogs and other savvy animals do hibernate, like Punxsutawney Phil, during our long winters. No matter how mild or severe our winters, they always mean more darkness, cold air, snow, and ice that sap our energy and drag our spirits. We may be tempted to think: Oh, to be a groundhog, ducking into a hole to sit out the season!
We may experience reasons other than the weather to hide out. Perhaps we feel like retreating in fear over a negative circumstance or a challenge we face. Or perhaps we sense the dark cloud of defeat because of a failure or disappointment. We may become so used to the darkness in our lives that we can’t stand the light that flickers not quite close enough to beckon us to step out into it.
God has the solution for our winter doldrums. Instead of retreating into our emotional caves, He offers the light of His Word. “It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) Even as God commanded the light to shine in the darkness at creation, He turns on the light in our hearts so we can see who He is.
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)
Lord, we don’t want to cling to darkness, like Punxsutawney Phil might do on Feb. 2nd. Turn our fears to faith so we will see Your light through Your Word and walk in it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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