I must really be longing for sunny days because this is my second post in just a few weeks with the theme of sunshine!
I was chatting recently with a friend from church and the topic (as it often is with me) was our pets. We had just had some nice warm, sunny days and all of our pets (my girls, her cat) were busy following the sun around.
It’s probably a top five activity for animals anywhere. And by “activity,” I mean actually having to get up and follow it around.
But it seems all pets, canine and feline, are drawn to the coziness of a nap in the sun. Who isn’t?
We ended our chat by my friend declaring, “Our pets are solar-powered!” Amen, sister!
Maybe we are, too. So, let’s start with some ways we humans benefit from the sun:
- Stronger bones
- Better sleep
- Helps the immune system
- Vitamin D production
- Promotes overall good mental health
- Cancer prevention (in some cases, and in moderation)
- Serotonin production
- Lower blood pressure
- Kills bacteria
These are all great, but do my girls benefit this way? They just know how it makes them feel. And honestly, that’s probably why I love to get some sun. Here’s how it makes me feel, especially if I’m hanging out with my girls in the sun.
- Cozy
- Warm
- Loved
- Sleepy
- Restful
- Relaxed
- Peaceful
- Protected
- Care-Free
- Contented
Nothing quite like the power of the sun, is there? Except maybe the power of the SON, as in Jesus. Take another look at that last set of bullet points. Except for “sleepy,” I would propose that being in the presence of the Son, the true power in our lives, can produce those same emotions in us.
Of course, we need to do our part and heed all the scriptures that encourage us to “cast all your worries on him because he cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7) or “be not anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).
But if we could actually heed all those “don’t worry, trust God” texts, our lives would absolutely have more of those powerful, joy-inducing, Son-generated qualities.
However, there is one quality that the sun and the Son do not have in common.
We know that too much sun can lead to negative consequences such as skin cancer, premature aging, sunburn, eye damage, and even heatstroke or death.
Can we get too much “Son?” Not possible! And I’m so grateful for that. In this life, we are limited in how much Son we can absorb because of our humanness, and associated sinful nature. But think ahead with me to that glorious eternity of everlasting Son.
In Revelation 21:23, we are told, “The city [New Jerusalem] has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb [Jesus.]”
This is just one more example from nature that points to the perfection that lies ahead for all believers. As I look out my window and see the glorious sunshine, may I be reminded of what true, biblical Solar power will be like. A glorious day, indeed!
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1