April 27, 2020
Written and Published By: Jackie Brindle
Why does every day feel like Groundhog Day, the movie? I guess it just depends, how you look at it!
Groundhog Day is my dad’s favorite movie of all time, and if you have never watched this Bill Murray film from the 90’s you are missing out!
Actually --- you really aren’t. In case you haven’t watched it, it’s about a man named, Phil, who wakes up every day and weirdly enough, it’s the same day that keeps happening over and over. From scene to scene, Phil, eventually learns and changes the outcome of his day. You can watch him from scene to scene as his character traits change, even if he’s faced with the fact that he’s stuck in the “same day” over and over again. By the end, he realizes the time he spent making the most of each day, was far better than if he didn’t change a thing from day to day. It was that mindset…. that shifted from “me me me” to thinking of others, that made all the difference in how the movie ends.
In this season of life, with three kids, these days can run together, a lot like Groundhog Day! The same fights go on between siblings, the same expected chores for each family member to do, the same games are played over and over, the same tv shows on repeat, etc. One can only clean so much and laundry before they lose their mind! I think you get my point.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for each day and all that is in it, but I was faced with that challenge of getting out of that rut every day and making the most of it. How could I make the most of each day?
Here’s what I have come to understand and help inspire me to change the outcome of my day so it doesn't feel so "the same".
5 takeaways; so life isn't the SAME EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!
1. Call on your tribe. I think one way we can make ourselves feel better is talking to someone, knowing you aren’t alone in this. Even Jesus had his tribe of 12 disciples He could call on, to talk with, and encourage during the most challenging and pressing moments of His life. I believe we long for that sense of community too. I know I can thrive knowing that the voice on the other end of the phone line is rooting for me, someone who can tell me --- “stop with the excuses and close the pantry door!” or "Girl, I am losing it too!" Phew...I am not the only one!
2. Call on a person you haven’t talked to in a while. Call on that aunt, uncle, grandparent/s, a cousin that lives across the state. Not just Facebook message them, but pick up the phone and call them! My cousin reached out to me this week from California, and I can’t tell you what joy that brought me! We haven’t talked in years but it’s one of those things where you pick up right where you left off. Made my DAY! It was so good to connect and it encourages me to do the same for someone else!
3. Move. If I spend at least 15 minutes or more a day in some sort of cardio movement, it can be the very thing that changes the trajectory of my mood to a whole new level! Groundhog Day effect can legit try and snatch the joy right out of my day, especially if I linger in "the comfort zone." But, when I push myself and sometimes some encouragement is needed from my husband, who helps reminds me if I move ... I am a much more pleasant person to be around. And I am so thankful that running isn’t canceled!! I did sign up for a virtual half marathon! A girl's got to still have goals!
Trust me, when you take the step towards -- moving your body in some capacity -- I guarantee you will not regret it but you will always regret, that you never did.
4. PLAY - Create!! When else are you going to have downtime like this, assuming you aren’t working as much, in the day. I am teaching full time online but have been enjoying the breaks at home, baking something, pausing to do art classes online with my middle child, or having dance parties in the kitchen. Yes, the electronics can be on from time to time, but when it’s recess time --- it sets us off into a better mood!! Even if you are home alone -- take a break and have recess, too! Rearrange sometime, play a game, create, and have fun! This is a time where you can give yourself a little grace so don't take yourself so seriously! I know I need to do that, too!
5. Increase faith. If you know anything by my writing, by now, it’s not always about the practical things in life but how God can use those things to teach me a lesson from His word. During this time, I am really trying, to be reading the Bible more. It was something I always said I wish I had more time for. Well, I think God heard me. I now have a little more time! Spending more time in God’s word, going a bit deeper, when I can, has been my saving grace! There are times, I panic ..or get confused.. or scared .. or become a tired/cranky mama. I am thankful for the truths and promises I can claim in my life because, without those words of peace rushing over me, I might not ever change. God reminds me to keep on believing that each day isn’t the same and He's working all things for good in my life and in YOURS!
James who was a disciple and brother of Jesus, writes in his book in the bible,
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
That is SO GOOD! I want to stand the test. I don't want to have to repeat it! I want to persevere. It's not going to be easy. I'm going to have to be intentional in seeking God, asking God to search my heart and help me to overcome this new way of life! How can I make the most of each day? I don't have all the answers. But I am certain that I am not meant to sit the comfort zone and neither are you! It's time to stand up! It's time to rise up... even now! God is calling us, under this trial....in a new normal, to keep on believing! Keep on viewing the day that we are in, as a test. How are you going to show progress?
I hope today doesn’t feel like Groundhog Day. It's like the character, Rita says to Phil in the movie, “Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. I don’t know, Phil. Maybe it’s not a curse. Just depends on how you look at it.” I hope today feels fresh and NEW, and not like a curse! But, a blessing that you get to try new things, move, play, and create! Getting to those household projects that have been calling your name for far too long. Playing games with your kids, that otherwise, you wouldn’t have had the time to do. Perhaps it’s taking that time to call on your tribe or family! The gift of more time! Something we’ve all been wanting and needing. Now is the time to make the most of the things in life ...so.. Do IT! I know you won’t regret it!
And….. SMILE, because today is a NEW DAY and not the same as yesterday!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for today. I thank you that you go before us and meet us right where we are at. In our weaknesses, in our moments of boredom, in our struggles… I thank you that your grace is sufficient enough for me. You say if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can say to this mountain move from here to there. I ask that you would move in a BIG way, for our families, community, and in our nation. I pray that any arrows that are coming our way, you would snatch every one of them up and let them not come against us in our day. Help us to find your peace and joy in each day, as we seek you more!
Thank you!
In Jesus name,
Amen!
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