Groundhog Day, Again!
Groundhog Day, Again.
“Though we are well on our way into 2021, it sort of feels like the drudgery of 2020 all over again, does it not? Nevertheless, I am asking God for grace, wisdom, and perseverance as we continue to navigate these perilous times together as the people of God”
A pastor I follow wrote this to begin his monthly prayer email. Yes, here we go again, 2020 on repeat but also clinging to God and His grace for each day. His statement made me think of one of my favorite movies, Groundhog Day. I guess it is appropriate since the actual day is this week.
In the movie, Phil is sent to cover Groundhog Day. If you know the movie (and if you don’t, contrary to what my sweet wife would tell you, you should!), Phil keeps replaying the same day over and over. Sound familiar to anyone? Do you feel like our days are on repeat?
Once Phil faced this was his reality, he took many paths on the journey. Phil first focused on making it about him with the mindset of eat, drink and be merry.
But, as it does in real life, that path is great for a time, but will not leave you with lasting joy and peace.
Phil, when faced with the grind or “drudgery” of each day, went from self-indulgence to self-destruction.
The result was the same for him as it will be for us, depression, discouragement. In the end, once again, nothing changes with the day itself. It just keeps going on repeat.
Finally, Phil realized he could not change the day, but he could change. Let that sink in for a moment, he couldn’t change the day, but he could change. He looked for ways improve himself and help others. In doing so, guess what, his days improved! The day didn’t change but the way he approached each day did. He made the most of each day and didn’t waste a single moment.
I know this just a movie and no one reading this is repeating the same day over and over. However, it can feel that way. We turned the calendar to a new year, but it would seem each day is same song, different tune.
How are you facing these days? Just know, there is only one path that leads to peace and joy and it is understanding that the day might not be different, but I can be different, and I can make a difference, each day. And in doing so, well our days just may change!
As a Christian, it is found in letting Jesus make a change in us from inside out. Paul gives us insight in this journey from 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 4:16-17. In Jesus, we can be transformed or changed each day and in doing so, we can see change in our day: “And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit; So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
May we face the “drudgery” of each day with the joy of knowing that no matter what is happening around us, the Lord is changing us so we can be change makers! We may not can change the day, but by His grace, we can change how we face the day. That is the path that leads to joy and peace. And, while you are at it, maybe check out a great movie……
Pastor Michael
