Today is Groundhog Day. The movie “Groundhog Day” came out over thirty years ago. It was about a weatherman sent to cover whether or not Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow. This was his fourth year to cover the story, and he does not want to be there. When he awakes the ‘following’ day, he discovers that it’s Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. He is caught in an endless loop. First he uses this to his advantage, but then realizes that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing every day. Eventually he learns that he can help and protect others from making the same mistakes. He uses the time to learn new things, better himself, and treat others kindly.

In a way, we all live this. We do the same things over and over again in our lives, often repeating the same mistakes. Those who are wise will learn from their mistakes and try to avoid them in the future. And the followers of Jesus should make every effort to help and protect others from making mistakes, too. We hopefully learn that being kind to others is a much better way to live.

Thinking about this reminded me of what God had Paul write to the church in Galatia:

Galatians 6:7–10 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

One day we will awaken to the day that we enter our Lord’s presence. We have that certainty because we have placed our faith and confidence in the one who lived and died and rose again to secure our forgiveness and salvation. Until that day arrives, let’s make the most of every opportunity to share Jesus and His love with our neighbors.