For as long as I can remember summer always changes my schedule. The routines may be the same, but I seem to have more hours in my day. I seem to have more opportunities to travel, to go to events, more opportunities to visit with friends and family, or to sit and just enjoy some quiet time. Maybe it has to do with more sunshine hours and warmer temperatures.
As I sat to ponder this phenomenon, I realized it was the extra daylight hours. Even during summer, I like to be home before it gets too dark and the extra daylight hours allow for more activities. Not that I can’t drive at night, I just don’t like to go too far when I do. The sun makes a difference with the warmer temps as well making travel easier when you’re not worried about a snow storm a few miles down the road.
Even medical personnel have recognized that more sunlight makes a difference to our lives and well-being. There is a medical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is triggered by the natural decrease in sunlight during the shorter, darker days of fall and winter. Reduced daylight limits the brain’s production of serotonin (a mood-boosting chemical) and melatonin (which regulates sleep) and this affects the moods and energy levels of those who suffer from this disorder.
When we allow more light into our lives, we gain the energy and desire to be more engaged with the activities around us, our mood elevates and our energy levels increase. I believe this works with natural sunlight and with adding more “SON”-light into our lives as well.
When we allow Jesus to increase in us our mood changes, our outlook changes and our lives change. With the added sunlight hours you have been graced with this summer, I encourage you to increase your reading of scripture, increase your prayer time, and overall spend more time with Jesus. Increase your “SON”-light.
The light of Christ can change your life and give you more energy which will warm you up. We find these words in Exodus 15:2, “The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Allow Christ, our Lord, to shine brighter in and around you not just this summer but always.
This summer, enjoy the added sunlight and bask in the added “Son”-light as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
Pastor Linda’s Cell Phone: 585 330-0618
Pastor Linda’s Office e-mail: pastorlinda11@gmail.com