I thrive on sunshine.

I do better emotionally and am more productive when the sun is doing its thing where I can see and feel it.  The medical definition of SAD (seasonal affect disorder) is: symptoms of depression coinciding with seasons of shorter days and less sunlight. It's said that SAD sufferers are more likely to be women and younger persons. Other symptoms include a craving for sugary foods, such as sweets, candies, and refined carbohydrates.

This means my love (and craving?) for ice cream, chocolate covered donuts, a cold Pepsi (nectar of the gods), McDonald's iced coffee, and dark chocolate has a solid medical basis. I'm feeling better already and it's overcast as I write this!

Except that I'm not a female, or young, and from a dietary standpoint – I must have SAD year round because I like ice cream even more in the summer season when there's lots of sun.

The serious side of my blog is this:  although I AM more productive on sunny days, I must also be disciplined and know the Pepsi and donuts are going to have a greater appeal to me on overcast days (like the winter we are about to emerge from).  SAD is real and some people suffer far worse than I do, so my appeal isn't “just be more disciplined and you will be happier”.  It's not that simple.

But it is, simply, one more area of my life I trust to Jesus' care for me.

Blessings!

Pastor Mark