14 Hours & 9 Minutes
16 July 2025
14 hours, 9 minutes, and 19 seconds.
That’s how much daylight we enjoy today in Atlanta, Georgia. How will you take advantage of the sunshine?
Come this February, will you be like me, cursing the fact that it’s dark as we drive home from work? Heaven help me if I had to live in Utqiagvik, Alaska, for the 65 straight winter days when the sun does not rise at all!
Yes, a bit of humidity accompanies our Georgia sunshine these summer months. But they’re still brimming with potential. Picnics, walking barefoot in the grass, kayak rides, concerts at the Fred, water time whether at the beach or a local lake, reading or eating out on the back deck, gardening, laying on a blanket watching the stars. So many options. How will you take advantage of the light?
In Scripture, more summertime light isn’t just a physical phenomenon of our 23.5 earth axial tilt in the northern hemisphere. It’s a spiritual metaphor.
Jesus said in John 9:4, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” Jesus challenges us to use the daylight—literally and figuratively—to act with compassion, to live with purpose.
This season of longer days is more than just a geographical perk; it’s a faith opportunity. Each golden hour is a fresh invitation to love our neighbor, nurture our families, and cultivate joy. We’re not meant to just admire the sun but to live in its light—actively and generously. Same goes for the S-o-n too.
Reading a book last week, I again bumped into poet Mary Oliver’s beautiful question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Her words sync up nicely with Jesus’ teaching. You have this one life, and right now, in this season, you have long days and open skies in Georgia (or for some of you readers, other beautiful U.S. states). What will you do with them?
Engaging the light with you,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray. Dear God, as we tilt toward the sun, let us also tilt our hearts toward the light of Christ, choosing to live in a way that reflects love and generosity. Remind us that in Christ, we’re not only called to live in the light, but share it with others. Let us enjoy the creation and creativity you share with us, while it is still day.