Transformation and Groundhog Day
Dear Friends,
Perhaps you have seen the movie
Groundhog Day
. It is a classic tale of the transformation of a person from cold and selfish tendencies to warm, loving, and selfless tendencies. It is a great follow-up to this past Sunday’s sermon theme which had to do with how we use and/or abuse power.
In the movie, Phil, who is a very egocentric and selfish individual, re-lives the same day until he learns the message of love. The good news of selfless love breaks the endless cycle of winter in his heart and opens the way to spring, new growth, and transformation. This is the gospel story. God’s love also breaks the cycle of cold hard-heartedness and opens the way to renewed relationships that are based in love and mercy.
How does this transformation need to happen in our own hearts and our own homes? Where have we abused our power and position as parents? How have we used our energy to focus more on our own wants and needs than on the needs of others in our home?
Groundhog Day is as good a day as any to light a candle and say a prayer – asking God to change your heart – thawing it out from something cold and self-centered to something warm and filled with love for others. May spring come early for all of us.
To God be the Glory!
Robert