02-2-2016 - Groundhog's Day & Memories

This is Kathi and I love Groundhog's Day.  In Ohio, this is the day when most of us plead with Punxsutawney Phil to give us relief from winter. To most, this day has little significance except for some harmless fun. 

For me, it is a very significant day and I hope you'll read my story below in "Memories."  Also, you can take a more serious look at superstitions and wive's tales in the "Groundhog's Day" article.

Have a great day!

Groundhog's Day

In Acts 17, we read about the Athenians who erected an altar "to the unknown god." These men were so superstitious that they made an altar to a potential god so as to make sure that they didn't unintentionally offend someone they didn't know about. Paul used this altar as a teaching opportunity to point them to the God that they did not know--the Creator of the universe. As a result of his preaching, some of the pagans turned from their idol worship to serve the Lord (Acts 17:34). As Christians, we need to take what is common to the culture and turn it into an opportunity to proclaim the gospel. Superstitions provide an entry point to talking about how we can have true peace when we know the Prince of Peace who "upholds all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3).

Answers in Genesis article on Groundhog's Day as opportunity to share truth

Memories by Kathi

Why do I love Groundhog's Day?  Today would have been my dad's 94th birthday.   For those of you who love numbers like I do, the math is beautiful -- he was born on 2/2/22.  Growing up, he was my groundhog! We would ask him if he had seen his shadow or if we'd have 6 more weeks of winter.  He had a light, fun sense of humor and would always make the most of the Groundhog's Day spotlight.

My husband and my children never knew my dad, since he died just 5 days before my high school graduation.   I have tried to help my children to know him by telling stories and recognizing some of his traits in their own behavior or appearance.  Another thing I like to do is to fix one of his favorite pack-to-work lunches for my family on Groundhog's Day.  So today, we'll likely have a pickle pimento sandwich with colby cheese, an Archway oatmeal cookie, some garden veggies (from the store!), and perhaps fruit cocktail (though none of us really like it!)   And we'll talk about my dad.  :-)   Happy Groundhog's Day!