February is the shortest month of the year, so we tend to pack as much stuff into it as we can. Right off the bat, we have Groundhog Day on February 2nd – a day, which has for over a hundred years become the worshipping of a rodent. The poor thing has been disturbed from his winter slumber to see or not to see his shadow. The Super Bowl game continues to be played in February. We sit back and enjoy the gladiators tear each other apart on this day, like they once did in Rome. We gather for parties to celebrate this activity and become part of the event – especially when “our” team wins. Back in the 1960s, a group of British musicians, with bowl styled haircuts, arrived in New York to meet a crowd of swooning teenagers. In mid-February, we have Valentine’s Day, which provides the candy and flower industry with the bulk of their yearly profits. Do you see a pattern here? February is packed with idols.

March will come soon enough. We can probably expect another six weeks of winter, because we live in Minnesota. In fact, we can probably expect another 3 months of it. The Super Bowl will produce an outstanding contest and some funny commercials, but the day after, will be just like any other day for most of us. Some new rock icon will undoubtedly come on the scene and capture the hearts of unsuspecting teenagers, but they too will fall by the wayside in time. As far as Valentine’s Day is concerned, I believe that day should extend throughout the year.

We as a nation have changed some over the years, but it’s interesting how we have a tendency to turn to things of this world for enjoyment or comfort. We have no problem putting these events or people on a pedestal, but it seems so difficult for some to believe in the One true God. Maybe it seems too simple minded to some or they want something tangible. The Old Testament Israelites had a habit of doing that too. God wants us to enjoy our lives. He doesn’t want us to suffer. His love is shown in so many ways and still we rely on worldly things to give us pleasure. Instead, turn your worship to the One who created all things. He is the only One who gives life meaning and purpose. He is the One who never changes. He is in control.

LORD, I ask you to continue to be the hope of my life. You are the only awesome God – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let me always place my trust in you. Amen!