Groundhog Day

Almost through Week 2 of the Purpose Driven Life. One of the most poignant questions came on Day 9 - "Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most?"

I have struggled of late with my own purpose, considering the bigger picture, and with placing full trust and confidence in the Universe for guidance and Divine Wisdom. Too often I question myself, wondering if I am doing the right thing, if I am building the foundation God needs me to build to truly fulfill my broad purpose in life.

And, as I struggle, I continue to receive guidance. In reading today's DAILY WORD, I again affirm that we all are exactly where we are meant to be, doing exactly what we are meant to be doing - especially regarding employment:

I have fulfilling work to do that is an absolutely perfect fit for me. It may be my present job or a new one, a paid position or one in which I serve as a volunteer.
Whatever I do, I am appreciated and valued for my time and talents...I give thanks for the great variety of jobs in the world and the people who perform them. There is a purpose for it all, and I know that my purpose is always being revealed.
"My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention."--Isaiah 46:10

This applies even to groundhogs - like Punxsutawney Phil . He was just doing his job and, in doing so, saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter...which is eerie in that it is forecast to start snowing here in Maryland within the hour.

Phil's official forecast as read this morning at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
"Hear Ye Hear Ye
On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009
Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators
Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper
And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths
After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time
And a bright sky above me
Showed my shadow beside me.
So 6 more weeks of winter it will be. "

Unlike Phil, I cannot make predictions. I often get hints, clues, help from the Universe to give me direction and tell me how to best proceed. I guess I am not as good as Phil is at interpreting the signs. Maybe my ego gets in the way. (I prefer to call it fear, or safety, or whatever other term best describes that which holds me back.) Maybe I am just not ready to KNOW what lies ahead because if I do, I have no choice but to move forward towards it. What if there is more hardship to face before the blooms start to blossom? Perhaps knowing of the burdens to bear would be harder than staying in the safety of my hole, and not even bothering to look and see if my shadow is present.

Eventually though we have to peek out. Is it better to do it when we are guaranteed that the Earth is warm, the sun is shining, and winter has passed? Or, is it better to stare down hardship and exclaim, "I'm not afraid of you! I welcome the challenge because I KNOW God will be with me every step of the way!!"

It's a personal choice. But, maybe we all need to be a little more like Phil. He is not given the choice to stay buried in his burrow. So, he welcomes the opportunity each February. With great excitement, he celebrates it. It is Phil's chance to make a statement and, by doing so, make the commitment to live in the precious present moment and take each day - winter or spring - as a new opportunity to give back and shine with enthusiasm.