Ground Hog Day, a day where people wait with anxiousness to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not. This tradition helps determine if there be six more weeks of winter. The event is based upon a communal light-hearted suspension of disbelief. It is organized by the “Inner Circle” — recognizable from their top hat and tuxedos — who ostensibly communicate with Phil to receive his prognostication. This suspension of disbelief extends to the assertion that the same groundhog has been making predictions since the nineteenth century.¹
Aristotle came up with the idea of the suspension of disbelief. It’s the idea that we intentionally avoid critical thinking or logic to enjoy something that is fiction or a myth. Skeptics might use this argument for a belief in God or a Higher Power. They would argue that a belief in a Higher Power is nothing more than wishful fulfillment. Aristotle, on the other hand, definitely believed in a Higher Power.
In chapter 6, in book 12, of metaphysics, Aristotle argues that there must be some eternal and imperishable substance; otherwise, all substance would be perishable, and then everything in the world would be perishable. But the world and time are not perishable; therefore, he argues that this eternal actual substance must be a single prime mover, which, while the source of all process and change, is not itself subject to process or change. This substance does what is the highest form of life ought to do, namely to think. The God of the philosophers, perhaps.²
The Prime Mover is the Creator of the universe, which means this Higher Power created You. Hopefully, you put your faith and trust in a power greater than yourself and not rely on superstition and myths for guidance and hope for your life. We can all enjoy the suspension of disbelief when it comes to groundhogs, but let us not fall prey to this process when it comes to our very lives.
If you have never seen the movie “Ground Hog Day” starring Bill Murray, then it’s a must for your bucket list. This movie’s premise is that Bill Murray, a.k.a. Phil, keeps reliving the same day repeatedly. It takes a while to develop, but eventually, Phil realizes that he will continue to relive the same day over and over again until his character and heart change. He moves from an extremely self-centered jerk to become a loving, compassionate man.
There is an old saying that goes like this; “If you keep doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting.” Albert Einstein defined this destructive pattern as insanity “doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” What is going on in your life that needs to change?
What Ground Hog Day experience keeps repeating itself in your life? It’s time to break the cycle. It’s time to uncover, discover, and discard the hurt, habit, or hang-up that continues to be a thorn in your side. You won’t find the power to achieve this in a self-help book; you will most likely need to surrender and hand it over to a power greater than yourself. God could and would if God were sought, so honestly seek, and you will be victorious.
My Creator, thank you for another day and another chance to turn my will and life over to You. Please help me not continue the same destructive patterns in my life. Remove every flaw in my character that prevents me from living out Your eternal purpose of loving You and my neighbor. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. Amen.
John Verdon says
Halo: don’t think you have seen my post re: cancer diagnosis. I have neuroendocrine cancer, fairly rare, (no cure to date). Longest survival period currently 5 yrs. I am perfectly fine with this but would appreciate prayers!
Harold Long says
Hello, my dear friend,
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. You sound like you are in great spirits. Our prayer team will be praying for you, and be sure to post your request on our prayer wall on this site; go to our home page http://www.hilltran.org, click on about, and the prayer wall link will pop up.
You have blessed countless people with your love and service, and I am forever grateful that the road to a happy destiny brought us together. I am always available to talk or pray when necessary.
Shalom,
Harold Long