Too often we fail to acknowledge and see the beauty and awesomeness of God’s creation. When I woke up this morning the sun was shining so brightly through my bedroom window that I rejoiced in the beauty and brightness of the day. It was just yesterday that there was an overcast for most of the day, and it rained late last evening. When it rains and the day is a little gloomy, I think it affects our attitudes and personalities negatively. The same holds true for when the sun is shining so brightly, rather it affects us in a positive way. When it is gloomy, it is easy to become a little depressed and sluggish. When it is light and bright, it adds luster to our spirit. 

When the sun is shining as bright as it is today, you can’t help but feel energized and ready to face whatever life brings you. There seems to be a spark of life brought on by the sunshine, so cherish it while you have it. It is true that in most cases we do not even give attention to the sun, but pause just for a little while today and get outside and enjoy the feel of the rays upon your skin. Yes, it is a little chilly (cold) today, but the sunshine gives the impression or feeling that it is warm.  

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 says, “Sunshine is sweet; it is good to see the light of day. People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live.” I am in total agreement with Solomon.

Regardless or how busy or cluttered our day may be, there is always something to rejoice about, so let the sun illuminate your life today.

If the sun is shining where you are today, spend some time in the sunlight and I promise, you will feel better mentally and physically. Some might say it is psychological, but I say the feel of being at peace and relaxation is real. If you are caring for some love one and you can’t get them outside, open the blinds and just let the sun burst its way into the room of the person. You may find the person becoming more relaxed and pleasant.

Try referring to someone today by calling them sunshine and see how they react or respond. Make sure it is someone who really makes you perk up or appreciate who you are. There is this grandfather that I know who refers to his granddaughter as his little sunshine. The granddaughter’s personality is vibrant and charming. I understand why he calls her sunshine. If you know someone who adds spice to your life, refer to them as sunshine today.   

According to WebMD, sunlight helps boost a chemical in our brain called serotonin, and that can give us more energy and help keep you calm, positive and focused. Doctors sometimes treat seasonal affective disorder and other types of depression linked to low levels of serotonin with natural or artificial light.

Of course, we know that too much of anything can be detrimental or damaging, so the same holds true to being exposed to too much sun. If you are going to lay in the sun, do it in moderation.   

If you are interested in seeing how sunshine or light can bring about new life, take a plant that you have had sitting in the dark and it looks a little poorly. Put it in the sunlight for a few days and see how it begins to establish new roots and new life. I am told that the sun’s UV rays help our bodies make this nutrient, which is important for our bones., blood cells, and immune system. It also helps us take in and use certain minerals, like calcium and phosphorous. It is true that we can get our vitamin D from foods, but why not get outside and enjoy the sunshine and get the vitamin D needed without having to research what foods contain Vitamin D. During the pandemic, many have been working at home during the day and may not have had the chance to get outside to get the sunshine you need. Get off that computer and go outside and take a deep breath and soak in the sunshine. 

Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good things does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” When we read this verse of scripture, may it remind us that God provides and cares for us, being our sun and shield.   

The sun is an enormous ball of burning gas millions of miles away and million times larger than our planet earth. God created the sun and all the stars in the sky. The sun so far away, and so enormous, but may I remind us all that our God is near us and bigger than anything he created.     

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor