Ah, the pure pleasure of basking in the sun. 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. As the tropical aroma of suntan lotion wafts through the air, and glistens on my skin,  I bake at just the right temperature. “Ding!” time to turn over and roast the other side. I’m so relaxed laying on my beach towel napping in the summer heat. I’m convinced this perfect day will never…

Hey! What’s that smell? Eeeew, Lucy! I just realized the “office puppy” pooed on the ground, and my perfect day-dream was abruptly ended. I reluctantly came back to reality, and alas, I continued to walk the dog (with my down coat on), in the 45 degree weather.

As I think back, to the warmth of the California sun I encountered a few months ago, I can’t help but want to escape there. I would gladly trade the overcast, rainy, cold days of Washington State, for a chance to bask in the California sun.

The Other Bathing

Sure, the sun is comforting, as it’s rays penetrate the skin and warms up the body. But there is a different kind of bathing that I am fond of as well - bathing in the Word of God. I love soaking up the warmth of God’s word, and lathering myself with the companionship of the Holy Spirit. Taking time to “sit at the feet of Jesus” is the best kind of bathing any soul could receive. After all, the Son of God is the light of world (John 1:9), and if the natural light through the sun creates warmth, then also the Spiritual Light will create a warmth for the soul. Yes, you guessed it, that proverbial “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”

Chicken Soup

What is is about chicken soup that brings healing anyway? I mean, think about it - for generations we have eaten chicken soup for a medicinal use of the common cold. Eating the hot soup with chunks of chicken goodness and tons of tasty noodles, we warm up, and are closer to healing than before we started.

Reading the Word of God is like eating chicken soup. As you drink the broth of truth, and bite into it’s chunks of goodness, you begin to heal. You’re instantly attracted to it’s base, and can’t wait for another swallow. Spoonful by spoonful, you habitually drink it in. Mmm…one more bite. Okay, one more. As the spoon clanks against the bowl to reach that last noodle, you delight in the final bite. You’re finished and full, thankful for the nutrition, and looking forward to your next meal. 

Have you felt the warmth of God’s Son? Have you tasted the goodness of the Lord today?

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8