Today was a glorious day here in western New York. The sun made a rare appearance for early January, and the temperature hit a balmy 51°. The air was fresh and clean, and the light breeze was extraordinary.
I spent some time outside, soaking it all in. The warmth of the sun, the smell of the air, the sounds of the world. No music, no podcasts—simply the world outside my door. It was refreshing and rejuvenating.
I took a nice walk around my block. Not a race but not a crawl either. I walked with an even pace, allowing my senses to soak up the world around me. I haven't felt that good in a few weeks.
As I walked, it dawned on me that for me, the long, cold, gray winters can start to weigh heavily on my psyche and my soul. I believe the professionals have a name for it: seasonal depression.
Do I have this seasonal depression? I have never bothered to get diagnosed, and I don't see the point. But I will say that the feelings of lethargy, demotivation, and restlessness are real when you don't get to see the sun for days on end. When all you see when you look outside is endless gray and perpetual twilight.
The bitter cold only adds to the effect. Standing outside for some fresh air can be dangerous when the temps are in the teens, and the wind chill is approaching zero.
The sun and the warmth—even something as minimal as the mid-40s—lift my spirits. The sun and its warmth are the ultimate natural pick-me-up. It never fails to impress. Even on cold days, if the sun is out and the sky is blue, I just feel better.
God tells us that light chases away darkness. As nature goes, the sun is our ultimate light, and it does indeed chase away the darkness. And Jesus is the Son who chases away the darkness of evil, if you allow Him to.
Wherever you may be, the next time the sun is out, step outside. Take a deep breath and feel the warmth on your face. Maybe think about God and Jesus and how darkness runs from light. How standing in the sun can replenish your mind and body, while standing in the Son can restore your soul.
—Daniel