Three turtles shared the surface of the rock in the middle of the pond. All three faced the same direction so that their shells could absorb as much sun as possible. It reminded me of solar panels built on the roof of a building. As cold-blooded reptiles, those turtles needed to get the sun to energize their internal workings.

            A bit later I came upon a simple garter snake, soaking in the sun on the pathway. Afraid that some other hiker might hurt it, I got its attention with a soft stick and guided it off the trail. It moved away, a bit reluctant that it would lose its warm place in the sun

            On one hand I felt sorry for those species of animals that so desperately need the outside force of heat to maintain their bodies’ warmth. On the other hand, I experienced oneness with the turtles and snake. Although I have an internal source of body heat, I also know how the power of sunlight can enliven spirits and give encouragement.

            In the autumn weeks ahead we likely will have fewer sunny days. Whether or not we find light and warmth coming from the sun, we can always find energy coming from the One who created the sun.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?

The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1