In the early days of 2021’s second month, our attention can be drawn to several special days. Perhaps it’s February 2nd and an overgrown, pampered, weather-predicting rodent that resides in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. You know the drill; if he sees his shadow, that’s six more weeks of bad weather. However, if the sun doesn’t shine on the old woodchuck, the resurgence of springtime life is supposedly just around the corner. Unfortunately, he got a glimpse of his shadow (so they tell us) and now the immediate future is gray and cold.
Did you ever wonder how Ground Hog’s Day came to be? Believe it or not, in the ancient church February 2nd – Candlemas – commemorated the day when the infant Jesus was presented at the temple forty days after his birth. As time passed, however, people added their superstitious beliefs to the date. How and when the ground hog entered the picture I do not know. But this I do know. The resurgence of life in the soul comes as a gift from God through His Son. That is truly good news! As for the ground hog and an early spring? I wouldn’t hang up your winter coat just yet!
Or maybe it’s February 12th (Lincoln’s birthday) or February 22nd (Washington’s birthday), two of our greatest presidents. Wouldn’t they be appalled at our polarized government and culture today?
Perhaps you’re looking forward to February 26th – National Pistachio Day. It’s kind of a nutty celebration.
But I suspect most first think of Valentine’s Day in association with February. Poet, Robert Frost, wrote this simple statement about the heart’s affection, “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” There is a longing deep within us to love and be loved. This month the floral, greeting card and candy industries will profit greatly from our desire to express our love to that special person in our lives.
One man asked his wife of 25 years, “Is it alright if I take you out for a hamburger for Valentine’s Day?” “Certainly,” she replied, “as long as that hamburger is in Hawaii.” A gift of love requires thought, effort and some sacrifice. Extravagant or simple, it’s the heartfelt motivation behind the gift that makes it meaningful. One of the more familiar verses of Scripture begins with these words, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). God’s expression of love didn’t come as a red, heart-shaped box of candy or a bouquet of roses, but no gift has been more extravagant or heartfelt. God’s love bridges the gap between his heart and ours, a bridge shaped like a cross. That gift, more than any other, satisfies the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
This month do something irresistibly meaningful for another life to express the love of God within you. Do it without expecting something in return and your February will have great meaning…regardless of the weather prognostication of a furry rodent in Pennsylvania.
