I am writing this devotional on Groundhog Day in February. The day, of course, centers around a groundhog who foretells the weather. But what I think about most on this day is the hilarious movie, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray.
It is the story of a cynical TV weatherman, Phil Connor, who finds himself reliving the same day over and over when he goes to the small town of Punxsutawney to film a report about their annual Groundhog Day. Phil is the sort of guy who thinks he is better than everyone. He believes he should be working in a bigger market, and he hates doing “fluff” pieces. He treats everyone around him poorly. It is here in this little nowhere town the story begins. Every day, he wakes up in his bed hearing the same song on the radio by Sonny and Cher, I Got You, Babe. He meets the same people every day in the same locations, doing the same thing they did yesterday and the day before that, and the day before that.
While this movie is a comedy… it is also a movie with a message about how people can change if given the time… time to look into their souls and see how their actions and attitudes affect the people around them. Phil goes through several cycles of varying emotions. At first, he decides he can do whatever he wants. He eats all he wants and tells a worried friend that he doesn’t worry anymore about cholesterol or flossing. At one point he says, “I’m not going to live by their rules anymore.” After a while, the novelty of having no consequences wears off, and he moves on to acceptance of his situation and, at the end of the film, takes on an attitude of service. Instead of looking down on everyone, he decides it is better to help others. Phil Connor has realized it is better to serve others than to push them away because you’re so much better than them.
Andie MacDowell, who plays Murray’s love interest in the movie, was quoted as saying this film is a lot like the classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. “It makes you realize how gorgeous life is and how to be a good person.” In the season of Lent, we are called to do a “heart check” and to examine how we are living our life. Are we serving others and putting Christ first, or are our lives focused more on our wants and desires?
I believe we can change, and it starts by looking in a mirror during this Lenten season and seeing the true condition of our hearts. I believe God’s love and grace allow us to do that, and then we have to decide if we really want to change. God doesn’t force us. But we can pray the words of the old hymn, “Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will.” We have this day to live and we’ll never have it again, unlike in the movie. What will you do with it?
Rev. Dave Poteet, Pastor of Congregational Care
