God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was.
Genesis 1:3
I hope you are reading this on a day when the sun is pouring through the windows. I hope you can reach out your hand or close your eyes and simply feel the energy of the sun transferring energy into your body and mind. If you aren’t in such a place, I invite you to really be present the next time you go outside, the next time the clouds break, the next time the dawn crescendos into a new day. Feel that energy slowly fill you. This is not only spiritual but it is science.
Scientifically, sunlight offers powerful restorative, protective, and healing effects. Vitamin D is essential for bone, heart, lung, dental, immune, nerve, and muscular health. Vitamin D is also optimal for our mental health. Many cultures both ancient and modern encourage sunbathing as a “cure” for many ailments, which treats both body and mind. That old adage “go outside and you will feel better,” is actually great wisdom.
The benefits of being in the light is not just scientific but it is also spiritual. Genesis says in the beginning God first put energy into the light, and it was good. Perhaps it was good because the light shared God’s goodness with all of creation. Vitamin D poured out into creation, nourishing and growing new life. In Psalm 80 the psalmist writes, “Restore us, Lord God. Make your face shine so that we can be saved!” The Gospel of John will say Jesus is the Word, “What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people.” God, like sunlight, fills us with what we need yet how often do we take time to fully realize that? How many times do we pause to feel the sun or realize it is healing and restoring us?
As Spring gives way to Summer we will experience more sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Limit your time in the heat, but at the same give thanks for the vitamin D, a healthier body, a healthier mind, and never forget its ancient energy continues to come from God the source of life. May you never forget whose you are and who loves you still. May you remember on both sunny and cloudy days.
Blessings for your journey,
Rev. Keith McDevitt