This week people gathered from all over to ask a rodent for weather advice.
Those down south were hoping for an end to their unexpected winter.
Some of us up north were hoping to hear that winter would come.
Groundhog Day is rooted in an ancient European Christian celebration known as Candlemas, which occurs halfway between winter and spring. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem as a light to the people of Israel.
Historically, the weather on Candlemas was observed to predict the start of spring. According to an old English song:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.
This is why, according to tradition, if it’s a bright and sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it’s a cloudy day and the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
In ancient weather lore, people would also observe hibernating animals, like a bear or badger, to foretell the arrival of spring.
But I ask, why is anyone asking for an opinion, especially on something as important as the weather, from a Whistle-pig?
Now there are plenty of those rodents around here in the spring, none so famous as that fat little critter back east.
Far as I know, none of them are coming out this time of year for any reason. When they do show up, they are routed out by this cowdog, always on alert for interlopers on my ranch.
All this hullabaloo got me thinking – why ask a scruffy gnawer to predict weather, when you have a highly skilled Heeler around?
So forget the notions of Marmota Monax. I will give you a Heelers viewpoint.
The weather? This is mid-winter, so we will have 6 more weeks of winter no matter what – right up until the Spring Equinox! Now it may be a blizzard, or it may be mild, or likely some tempestuous blend. Still winter!
It seems to me, after years of enduring everything from desert to mountains, that God may send rain, snow, or drought, wind, hail or sunshine, anytime He pleases.
I’ve decided if He sends rain, then I might as well welcome rain.
So I present a Heeler’s forecast:
If it snows – I’ll hustle through my chores, make sure everyone has food, water and warmth; keep an eye on the boss and make at least one snow angel before I come in.
If the temp drops, I’ll work even faster, then come in and cozy up on the couch. I probably will still not wear that puffy pink coat! And I’ll never admit my paws were freezing!
If it warms up and hints of Spring, I’ll enjoy the sun, roll in the fading snow, expand my explorations and sniff all that is coming to life.
I’ll keep track of the mud, for fun and to know when we start planting trees. And to track inside too.
I’ll watch the pond for melting, knowing I will soon swim there with the little boys.
I will start wading the creek.
Every day, in any season, I will wake up knowing the sun will rise over the eastern ridge, whether I can see it or not.
And every day means I have one less day to make my time here count for something.
Now that old ground vermin won’t share wisdom like that! And if you do see my shadow, it sure won’t be still for long.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
