A Solar Life

"Sunshine On My Shoulders", "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", "You Are My Sunshine", "Sunny" and the list goes on. All these songs about sunshine. Why? What is it about sunshine that makes us want to sing?
It's been a dreary and cold winter here in the Ozarks, below average temperatures, more snow than we've seen in a couple of years and a general "blah" feeling has seemed to grip me and others around me. Finally the sun shined on us on Friday, and everywhere I went and the people I talked to during that time were, well different. Then, the sun went away, and the weather man, and the TV news people and the people at the grocery store were bemoaning the passing of the sun. It was like for that short moment when the sun shined, we were all charged up. Our hopes were lifted and although nothing about our health, or our economic situation changed,it just felt different. Hey, even chat on Facebook took on a more positive tone. We were at that moment, solar powered.
Life is like that too. Without a positive influence, or a "sunny" outlook, all of life can be "blah". We need to be solar powered, and you know what? We are.
What we forget is that the sun is always shining, even at night the moon reflects it's light. It's not that the "sun is not out" it's that the sun is obscured. Even on those days when it's not "shining", my solar path lights are gathering energy, so they can shine in the dark, plants are storing up the daylight and are measuring it in their cells to prepare for bursting forth when the tilt of the planet gets just right.
I guess my point is that as a Jesus follower, I do live a solar life. That even in the times when the Son is obscured, I know He's there. Even when I wish the sky was clearer, it really is clear enough for me to live and enjoy. If everyday were clear and bright, it wouldn't be life, it would be Arizona (Ha!). Anyway, just be encouraged my friends, Spring is almost here, Easter is near and your solar batteries will not run out if you keep your face turned toward the Son!
Peace my friends.

Oh, little Snowbird take me with you!

Remember that song about the snowbird. "take me with you, to the land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow.."? Well, we went there last week, it's called Arizona and it was great. Our first winter vacation and now it's easy to see how addictive living in those gentle breezes can be.
Did we want to leave? No, well, yes, well.It was after all, a vacation, and tomorrow the real world demands my presence. But I'm going to do my best to imagine the cold wind blowing through the Ozarks has traces of that warmer Arizona air. I'm also imagining that the spring which is on the verge of happening out there in the desert is just a few weeks away from arriving here.
I'm counting on it!
Peace my friends.