Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.—Ecclesiastes 11:7 (NKJV)

As a child, milk made me gag, so I drank as little as possible. When I grew up, I cut it entirely from my diet. That’s why I wasn’t completely surprised by the unfavorable results of my bone density test. I assumed Dr. Schuster would tell me I had to drink the white stuff. But instead, he said, “Get lots of sunshine and eat lots of ice cream. Sunshine for vitamin D and ice cream for calcium. Both together can strengthen your bones.” 

“Will you put that in writing?” I asked. Dr. Schuster opened his prescription pad and wrote: “Sunshine transdermal QD, ice cream PO QD.” Translation? Sunshine on my skin every morning and ice cream in my mouth once a day. 

We physically need sunshine. Sun exposure initiates the production of vitamin D in our skin. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium. Calcium, in turn, travels to our skeletal systems to ensure healthy, strong bones. Sunshine also provides emotional benefits. We’ve all experienced it—the sun pops out, and our spirits become bright. According to science, spending time in the sun triggers the release of serotonin in our brains. This chemical calms us, brings focus, and boosts our mood. 

Ecclesiastes describes sunshine beautifully: The light is sweet, and the sun is pleasant for the eyes to behold. Jesus, the Son, created the rising sun. Daily I will seek the sun’s rays to warm me on the outside, as I allow the Son to shine brightly within me.

Faith Step: Find a sunny spot and enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream. Thank Jesus for another light-filled, sweet day of life.