Don't listen to Phil

Today is Groundhog Day. 

It could be that I barely saw anyone today, as I was holed up in my house working on preproduction all day, but I don't think Californians even bat an eye at Groundhog Day. And why should they? If your “winter” is a climate where you can go outside wearing a sweater and not a parka, who cares if you get six more weeks of the same? I sent a picture of me to my family today and I got a message back, “I'm jealous. It looks like it is sunny and warm there." Of course it is! I’m in SoCal!

I have never been to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and experienced the fanfare myself, but I've always found it was sort of a funny custom we have. Looking to a groundhog’s shadow for a weather report? If aliens do exist and they happen to land on Earth some February 2, I think they will have a gross misunderstanding of America and may look to Phil as our King.

This regional difference regarding Groundhog Day Got me thinking about who we listen to in our lives.

• Do we listen to some arbitrary entity – like Punxsutawney Phil – who may not even know how what they say will impact our lives?
• Do we listen to society - following what “they” say is right, regardless if it changes with the wind? 
• Do we listen to our friends - who may or may not come from our same background, and perhaps may not have the same moral compass as us?
• Do we listen to ourselves - trusting that only we know what's best? Sounds good, but how many times have you made a choice you thought was correct, only to have it turn out poorly?

When you're in different place or circumstances in life, who you listen to may change. You have a different peer group, a different subculture you are now part of, that now influences your life. That could be good or bad.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a consistent voice that you could listen to, no matter where you were? One that knows you better than anyone else - perhaps even better than you know yourself - and you could trust to guide you to what is right?

We do. It’s God.

• God doesn't just appear once a year.
• God doesn't go away after making one declaration in your life.
• God’s voice doesn't change depending if you live in Pennsylvania, Illinois, or California.

So who do you listen to? Something or someone fleeting, that changes under circumstance? Or do you listen to the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come?

As for me, I'll listen to my King. And his name isn't Phil.