Mr. Groundhog's Dilemma

"Point Whitehorn Beach"

(Small watercolor study)

Today is Groundhog's Day, a celebration here in the United States that has amassed much festivity around it.  In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, crowds of up to 40,000 at times have gathered to find out if the local famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, has seen his shadow.  If he sees his shadow, supposedly that means 6 more weeks of winter. Otherwise, if it is a cloudy day, spring is supposedly on its way early. Different regions of the country have their own variations of weather-predicting animals.  

Badger emerging from his den

I have never understood the logic behind the Groundhog's Day algorithm.  To me, it makes sense that if the groundhog sees his shadow because the sun is shining, then that indicates decent weather and favorable prospects for the oncoming spring.  Cloudy weather with lack of sun would indicate winter weather patterns still exist.  But they didn't ask me for my opinion.  When it comes down to it, who knows how the weather is going to pan out?!  Why, even Punxsutawney Phil has only been correct only about 39% of the time. The National Climatic Data Center declares Punxsutawney Phil as having no talent for predicting spring.

Punxsutawney Phil is afraid of his own shadow.  He probably stews all winter underground in his burrow debating over whether the uncertainty of his sightings will get enough Facebook "Likes" that day.  Will the assembled crowd be pleased with his reaction?  Will he be the recipient of Twitter's scathing remarks for the day?  Will his ratings go up or down?  

Marmot

Here in northwest Washington the sun is shining brightly today.  No matter the weather, life must and does go on.  Uncertainty of what lies ahead with weather or anything else in life must not be allowed to paralyze us in what needs to be done in the moment.  The balanced posture is to keep an eye down the road but be fully engaged in the present process.  I am thankful that Someone much greater than I who does control the weather and keeps the universes spinning in space has my life in His hands.  Here's some thought-provoking questions that God asked of Job which brings some perspective to uncertainty and control:

Have you visited the storehouses of the snow

or seen the storehouses of hail?...

Where is the path to the source of light?

Where is the home of the east wind?

Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?

Who laid out the path for the lightning?

Who makes the rain fall on barren land,

in a desert where no one lives?

Who sends rain to satisfy  the parched ground

and make the tender grass spring up?

Does the rain have a father?

Who gives birth to the dew?

Who is the mother of the ice?

Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?...

Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain?

Can you make lightning appear

and cause it to strike as you direct?

Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?

Who can tilt the water jars of heaven...?

---Job 38:19-38

Marmot

Live bravely and beautifully!