February 2, 2022 Weekly Update
My favorite winter marmot – Punxsutawney Phil – saw his shadow this morning in Pennsylvania, which means the nation is due for six more weeks of winter! Of course, he’s only been 40% accurate over the last ten years, but with the blowing snow we’ve faced over the last couple of days, furry Phil seems accurate! Happy Groundhog Day!
This day and its silliness reminds me of Bill Murray’s quirky film, “Groundhog Day.” Phil (Bill Murray), a weatherman, is out to cover the annual emergence of the groundhog from its hole. He gets caught in a blizzard that he didn’t predict and finds himself trapped in a time warp. He is doomed to relive the same day over and over again until he gets it right.
As we move into the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, it certainly feels like we are just repeating the same season of life over and over again. When will it all be over? When will we “get it right” as a human family?
Phil finally learns and grows by becoming kinder and more loving to his neighbors and friends. His kindness helps him feel more human, see others for their beloved humanity, and feel a loving human connection to all people.
This Sunday we begin a worship series entitled, “Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness.” As we lift up ideas to help celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week, we will be focusing on scriptures that invite us to be intentional about our kindness and compassion to our neighbors and our community. I look forward to spreading love, joy, and delight with you during the month of February!