I hope you’re enjoying your summer. The warm days, adventures and reflections of the season still linger. It’s Week 6 of the “Joy to The Soul” Summer series and I’m delighted to share the beautiful writing of Bethany McIlrath. Our paths crossed on a bloggers link-up where we share our posts. I’m glad they did. She’s one of my newest online friends and Bethany loves to point people to Jesus. I love how she points us to Him this week. Thanks Bethany!

This past winter, we let our car pretend it was a sled as we moved from the east coast to the Midwest. Now, we live on the western edge of the Eastern Time zone. That didn’t mean all that much to me until summer sauntered in.

The sun shines here until nearly 10 o’clock at night. Every song I’ve ever heard mentioning “summer nights” has taken on new meaning. Sitting in my sun room, my usual late-night thinking has returned again and again to the marvel of light.

That’s one of the things we love about summer, isn’t it?

More daylight.

More sunshine.

Clear skies gleaming.

The brilliance of being able to see every blade of grass, every flower blooming, every gulp buzzing bug. All that light seems to breathe life and clarity into us.

Imagine what it will be like when “the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. (Revelation 21:23)

What joy awaits!

There will come a day when nothing is hidden, nothing can lurk in the shadows, and night won’t leave us shivering or feeling alone. Jesus, who is the light, will be the light of everything and everyone in that place.

What we know in part now (that He is with us,) we will know fully and undeniably (because His presence will so permeate)!

Just think of how hard it is to deny the sun is shining when it’s fully exposed. You might try to hide in the shade or under your hat, but you can’t suppress how the sun reaches everything around you or warms you (even when you don’t want it to).

Summer’s most brilliant traits are just a little taste of eternity.

If you’re struggling with a hard and heavy season of life, I pray you’ll take a moment to step outside the next time the sun shines. Let the light in.
You’re not alone. The darkness will not win.

Bethany McIlrath works as a marketing specialist. She creates content, copy, and social media posts for her wonderful clients on a freelance basis. The flexible work format makes serving in ministry regularly online feasible.

Her passion is using words to point others to Christ and build others up in faithful, humble confidence. She writes about step by step, day by day faith on http://firstandsecondblog.com. Bethany is also grateful to ghostwrite and guest-write for other bloggers and ministries. She and her husband Matt have been married for 5+ years and enjoy their small dog’s antics and opportunities to serve together.
You can also connect with Bethany on Facebook and Twitter.

CLICK HERE to discover more of the “Joy to the Soul Summer” series!

Hi Friends! I hope the encouragement and information in this series is adding joy to your summer. A huge thank you to the contributors, Cheryl Luckett, Christina Patterson, Tamara Jackson and Bethany MCIlrath. Their words inspire!

I’m taking a short break to complete projects and spend some much-needed time with family. On September 5, I’ll return to share more encouragement and insights. I hope you’ll meet me here and bring a few friends along. May we each continue to have “hope for the heart and joy to the soul!”