As many do at the end of the month or the first of each new month, this week was billing time. As I was working through billing processes this week, of course, we all had another Groundhog Day. I had to laugh a little as I learned this year that there was a “competitor” to the famous Punxsutawney Phil. I have not paid much attention if a groundhog pulled out of his burrow “sees” or doesn’t “see” his shadow each year. Around this time of year, I have been more focused on a date on the calendar a few weeks alone.

More on that later.

But first, can we just admit that at times it does seem that asking a groundhog to predict the weather is about as accurate of a chance as our local weather teams have to get it right?!! HA!

So – this year I learned that Punxsutawney Phil is not THE only groundhog who is consulted on what weather we will have for the next 6 weeks. Not only that, but this groundhog actually has a better record of getting the prediction correct!! Staten Island Chuck, Phil’s apparent adversary has a differing prediction this year, in particular. An article on NPR stated the following: “While Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers — a group of top hat-clad gentlemen known as the Inner Circle — say he’s always right (and that he is the “only true weather forecasting groundhog”), data from the Stormfax Almanac puts that number closer to 39%. The Staten Island Zoo says its star groundhog has an 85% accuracy rate.” https://n.pr/3rrj7Hp <– link to the article for those interested.

So, why am I talking about an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter? Well, for one- depending on how the year has started, maybe you can pick which prediction you like and go with that. 🙂 But bigger than that, I wanted to circle back to my mention of the calendar earlier. When Feb 1st hits each year, I am looking at restaurants and flower deals, and getting some great cards. Why would I do that?
Well – Valentine’s day of course!!
Here’s my big picture point of this – keep your eyes on the purpose and plans God has given you and don’t be swayed by the “groundhogs” that pop out of the dirt and make predictions on your atmosphere or circumstances.

Stay the course!

Make the plans and walk them out! Let’s take it a step further – this week, thousands of people are examining why they set their new year resolutions and why on earth they already quit, or didn’t keep consistency, or didn’t do this or that… Let Valentine’s Day also be a reminder to each of us to find ways to show God’s love to others around us.

Great intentions don’t mean squat compared to being greatly intentional.

FOCUS!

I would be remiss if I also didn’t celebrate those who have completed 34-35 days of new habits, growing in their consistency and passion for making a difference in 2022! Way to go! Comment below what have you been winning thus far in 2022?

Also – guys – Valentine’s is about 10 days away…time to get those plans moving if you don’t have any! 🙂

What plans are you needing a reset on? Just because it’s the first week of February and something didn’t work out, may not mean those plans/ habits/ changes, etc…cannot be continued! Press the reset button and begin again! Focus on doing it today! Each day you get up, let it be “I will do this today!”
When we decide on things in advance, interruptions and deterrents find it hard to derail us.

You can make it!!