I think most people can say that at one time or another they have wished for a second chance – an opportunity to re-do something and make better choices. In the 1993 film, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, this fantasy becomes reality.
Murray plays television weatherman, Phil Connors, disgruntled over his assignment to cover the Feb. 2 Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Interested in neither the groundhog nor its shadow and obviously looking down upon the small-town people and their lifestyle, Connors gives a less-than-enthusiastic report, only to end up stranded in Punxsutawney due to a blizzard.
The next day, he awakens with what he assumes is a serious case of déjà vu. He hears the same song and commentary on the radio as the previous morning. As he progresses through the day, he tries to shake off the ensuing familiarity; however, Connors eventually realizes that it is not Feb. 3, but an eerie repeat of Groundhog Day.
Again, he completes his report on the groundhog, miserably ends his day snowed in, and wakes up to the same song on the radio. After several repeats of Feb., Connors realizes he is helplessly caught in a time loop which affects no one else. Since he is stuck, he tests every boundary, engaging in irresponsible and dangerous behaviours, learning about people for the purposes of taking advantage of them, overeating, over-drinking, stealing, and even ending up in jail.
Phil Connors becomes lonely, depressed, and bored. Rather than using his myriad second chances as opportunities to improve himself, he chooses negativity. As the loop continues, his frustration sends him spiralling downwards. With no permanent consequences and no one to even remember him the next day, he attempts suicide more than once, only to wake up in the same hotel room, with the same song on the radio, on yet another replay of Feb. 2.
Eventually, Connors speaks of this strange time phenomenon to a woman he repeatedly meets “for the first time” on Feb.2 and grows to care about. She suggests making good use of his found time and he listens. Instead of using people, he begins to draw on his knowledge of them to help them. He likewise challenges himself by learning new skills such as playing the piano and sculpting.
After transforming his life and finding his love interest reciprocated, Connors’ time loop ceases, and he awakens to find that it is – finally – Feb. 3. In summary, he had to hit his lowest point and reach a point of conversion before he could greet a new day.
I summarize this movie plot not merely because our calendar is flipping to February, but because it is often through works of fiction that writers reveal to us great personal truths.
During this pandemic, many have felt caught in a rut of routine, boredom, and depression. We face the same walls each day and, when we do leave our homes, we are masked, unrecognized, and seemingly alone. Some people have reached their lowest lows and others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things; most of us are probably somewhere in between.
In many ways, recent life has become a version of Groundhog Day; however, unlike Phil Connors, as Christians we know that we have never been completely alone in our struggle.
We know that God has been with us in all challenges and transformations. It is God’s voice encouraging us as we to continue to protect others by avoiding family gatherings. It is God’s voice suggesting that we reach out to people and make self-discoveries. We may feel as though we are heading for rock bottom, but we must place our trust in God to aid in our conversion. The calendar keeps moving ahead, and so must we.
In real life, we cannot actually “re-do” anything, but COVID-19 has forced us to truly examine our lives and our hearts. Putting the pandemic aside, what inner struggle prevents you from moving on? What different choices can you make in your future? What if this were your last day on earth?
The Lord blesses us with continual opportunities to give our frustrations and worries to Him. Let us awaken each morning, thankful for a new day and the opportunity for new chances.
Happy Groundhog Day!
