Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken
What's His Message?
Today is Groundhog Day, once again, and folks gathered before dawn in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to enjoy their annual tradition. Though Phil usually sees his shadow, giving us six more weeks of winter, today he didn’t. Depending on where you live, you may want to start unpacking your spring wear. In California, that means I can put away the fuzzy socks and bring out the flip flops.
My first introduction into this annual tradition was in 1993 with the premiere of the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. I admit, I’ve watched this comedy more than once. Well, more than twice. Well, a lot of times. Each viewing reveals more layers to the messages hiding in the shadows, so to speak.
Phil Connors, the curmudgeon weatherman sent to report on the annual event, gets stuck in time, repeating the same day over and over. Though the day seems to stay the same, as do all the characters, Phil Connors doesn’t. Over the many years of February 2, Phil transforms as he begins to look outside of himself. He finally takes notice of others. He also picks up some impressive skills along the way. By the end of the film, he’s an accomplished pianist, an ice sculptor, and is fluent in French poetry. But, the biggest achievement is the transformation of his character. He becomes a man who cares for others. The shadows of bitterness have been replaced with kindness. The last scene is not lost on me. He and Rita awaken to a landscape of freshly fallen snow. It’s February 3, a new day filled with hope, filled with new possibilities.
The film offers us an opportunity to reflect on how we spend our days. Do I simply relive the same day over and over? I do love my routines, I confess.
The fictional Phil Connors was given myriad mulligans. I think God does that for us too. I’m grateful our God is patient with me.
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NKJV
Groundhog's Day was one of my favorite movies. When I told my students the groundhog has not seen his shadow on Friday, they had no idea what I was talking about. But they did like the idea of an early spring. And while it happens--or not--the hope will keep us going through the rest of the dark days of winter.
oh one could only wish to pack away the fuzzy socks soon ... or not.