“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that it was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”             Genesis 1:3,4 (NIV)

Each year as the seasons change, I look forward to the bright, warmer days of Spring leaving the dreary winter months behind. I always feel like I am moving from the darkness into the light – out of hibernation and back into the sun.

This year as my spirits began to lift with our first real taste of Spring, I observed one of my four-legged fur children lounging in his favorite sunny spot. It’s a spot in our entryway where the sun streams in through the glass in the door during the early to mid-morning hours. It is there that my fur baby can soak in the warmth of the sun. Later, when the sun moves higher in the sky or is blocked by clouds, the welcoming ray of sunshine disappears leaving our little guy disappointed and in search of another place of comfort. 

While watching my furry friend, I realized it isn’t only during the Spring when this happens. It occurs throughout the year whenever the sun is shining. When the sun changes position or the clouds intervene, the light is diminished leaving an overcast, darkened aura and the sun-seeker in search of another sunny spot. Upon finding none, he is left searching for a comfortable spot to wait until the clouds lift restoring the light and warmth needed – paradise found!

Clouds come and go but the sun never disappears. Seasons change and the weather shifts but from dawn to dusk it is there – the light.

I believe we all feel better basking in our own little ray of sunshine but sometimes we are forced to wait until the clouds pass and the light is restored to experience that comfort again. 

When you are enjoying those clear, sunny seasons of your life what do you do when the clouds roll in? Do you keep your head down and wait for the circumstance to change or do you seek the ray of sunshine in a different place? 

In life, your ray of sunshine can take on many forms. Is it the warmth of true friendship? Is it the unconditional love of family? Is it easy to find the light or are there more dark days than you can count?

No matter your age, gender, race, social status, or geographic location, that ray of sunshine never fades. It is always there at dawn even if just beyond the clouds. 

All you need to do is open your Bible to turn on the light. The true light in the darkness. Then, bask in the warmth of God’s unconditional love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. 

Dear Lord,

On those days when I just can’t find my sunny spot, I will remember that you said let there be light and saw that it was good. You have separated the light from the darkness. As long as I am following you and have you living in me, there will always be a ray of sunshine to brighten even the darkest of days. Thank you.

Amen.