But, the good news is that one day at a time, my Lord has carried me through, and, now, seven years later I am still here, and I have not let either slow me down. Praise God I am cancer-free. Some people who had my same diagnosis seven years ago cannot say that. God has been so, so good to me!

In the days that followed my surgery, I was dealing with a lot of pain. I will never forget my two doctors standing in my room discussing my recovery. One said that she felt I was depressed because I had not opened my curtains to let the sunshine in since the surgery. I was completely surprised, because I had not given a thought about the curtains. First of all I was not physically able to open the curtains, and secondly, I was too busy hitting the morphine pump because my pain was so intense. I am sure the morphine also contributed to my not caring about the curtains. Eventually, I did get well enough to think about the curtains, and I did make sure they were opened before I left the hospital.  Ah, it is all about the sunshine when you are battling darkness.

At the time when she made that comment, it had hurt my feelings because I felt I was doing all I could to stay positive. She was right though. The sunshine always lifts our spirits. It stuck with me. Many times since then it has served as a reminder to always work hard to reach for the light to keep away the darkness. The two cannot coexist.

When I eat in restaurants, I always try to sit by the window. I like to keep my blinds open to let the sun stream into my windows each day. The area where I work gets warm in the late afternoon when the sun shines on the back of the house. My husband suggested that I close the blinds in that room. I told him that I need the light to help keep my spirits lifted and my attitude positive. Ironically, my oncologist told me that Vitamin D (produced by sunshine) is a great deterrent for cancer. And, yes, cancer is definitely something I want to deter.

In the words of Philosopher Steve Martin, “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” Ecclesiastes 11:7 says, “Truly, the Light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun.”

Jesus is the Light of the World. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)  The Bible compares  God to the sunshine.  Let’s look at the comparison. In nature, God gives us many illustrations of His person and His grace.

Light is pure. Light is never contaminated by anything else. Water and air can be. But Light, no matter the circumstance, is still Light. It pours over everything it touches.

Light is powerful. When darkness tries to overtake us, we can gravitate toward the Light. Darkness cannot be present with the Light. Have you ever heard someone say, “Turn on the darkness?” No, it is always, “Turn on the light.” Light has the power over darkness. As Walt Whitman put it, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Jesus is the Light that fights all darkness.

Light is consistent, a constant you can count on. It never changes. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Take comfort in that.  Thank God that He says “I change not therefore, you sons of Jacob, are not condemned.”

Light is warming. Nothing warms the body better than the sun on a cold day. Nothing can warm the weary soul like the Son of God. Prayer, praise, spending time with a fellow believer, and reading God’s Word can bathe our troubled spirits with a warming balm. And His light can lighten the darkest heart.

Light is life. All living creatures need Light to live.

Light is color and beauty. Without the Light, there would be no colors and we could not see the beauty of God’s awesome creation.

So the next time, life has turned cold and dark, turn on the Light. Reach for the purity, powerfulness, consistency, warmth, life and beauty that can all be found in the Light. With that kind of access, who would want to live in darkness?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  John 8:12

Dear Lord: Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to bring His Light into our World. May we be reminded to always reach for the Light as our first response when hard times come. You are always faithful, always true. As Your children, help us to shine the light of Your truth and encourage others so that we can all glorify You in everything we do. Amen

Do you have stories to share about how seeking the Light has lifted a burden for you? Please share your experiences, thoughts and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God brighten your day with His Heavenly Sunshine.