‘Heavy Sunshine’

Many years ago as a child, I remember talking to my grandfather one summer’s day about going out for a walk. I was fond of my grandfather and always enjoyed walking with him round the local woods and fields. This particular day it was raining and although looking forward to going out with him, I was reluctant to get wet. My grandfather encouraged me to go saying that rain was not a problem and would soon pass; it was the walk that would be enjoyable whether it was in sunshine or rain.  My grandfather was always cheerful and for him it always appeared to be that the sun was shining. So from that day on rain became known as ‘heavy sunshine’. As I grew up and now have become a grandfather myself the idea of ‘heavy sunshine’ has become a way of looking not just at the weather, but a way of getting enthusiasm and zeal for spiritual things. Maybe it is a phrase that you may consider ‘foolish’ but maybe you will come to understand what I mean.

I still enjoy walking and went out recently for a walk around the local paths and bridleways. The walk started off in sunshine and ended in rain, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the walk. But this day was different; the rain triggered of memories of my grandfather and our ‘heavy sunshine’ conversation and led me on to reflecting over my life as I walked along. This is something of how my train of thought ran:

I had left the house and walked a short way to the start of the path. Being new to the area a map was needed to show me the way and having consulted it, I chose which direction to start walking in. The sun was shinning and I was full of energy, the air was full of the varied delightful scents of nature, the warm smell of the grass, the dampness of the soil and the scent of the trees. Birds were singing and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. A glorious start to the walk! ….

… My spiritual life began when full of the enthusiasm of youth the decision was made that beyond any shadow of doubt I believed in my Creator. The direction was plain. His Word was to be my life’s map and the path of life stretched before me. Having decided that this was the way to go, it was a short step through baptism to commence along that path. The ‘sun’ shone brightly, the path was clear and the wonderful scent of the gospel message filled the air. What joy filled my heart! What zest for life!

After a short way the first section of the footpath ended and a short walk up a leafy country lane took me to the next section. This part did not appear to have been used for a while and the grass was long, which made it a little harder to walk and more tiring! A fallen branch blocked the way and a way round had to be carefully found so as not to damage the farmer’s crop. But the sun was shinning….

…Life after baptism had its up’s and downs. I recall about a year after baptism going to a party. My main topic of conversation would generally be something to do with biblical subjects, you see I was eager to learn and well what better topic for conversation amongst those who shared such a valuable belief. A brother there told me not to talk about the Bible because it was the wrong place! The going got tougher and life’s ups and downs continued, but the warmth and light of the Word still shone.

A couple of miles further along the path and some clouds appeared. The rain came down and the path became quite wet.  My walking boots picked up soil, becoming heavier and slowing me down. However from time to time a quick kick shot clods of mud off the boots! By now I was now four miles into my walk and the path passed through the middle of a field, being only discernable as a gap in the crops. Wheat was growing in the field, the heads nodding sleepily in the warm air, the birds still sang and the scenery was lovely.  Woodland lay invitingly ahead and the map showed much more of interest to come. So what if it rained - just a bit of ‘heavy sunshine’….

…Time went on and more spiritual problems came, things to disagree with and no support to be found. The dark clouds of spiritual despondency came; the ground became clay and stuck to the feet, the path was harder to define and the weight of the clay made it harder to move. But a change of fellowship helped chase away the clouds and of course through it all, the kingdom was ahead – just a bit of ‘heavy sunshine’ on the way!

The sun came back out and so a bit further along I stopped for a break and a look around. A quick look at the map showed a disused railway line nearby. It lay away from the path by about half a mile, but surely it was worth a look. So the decision was made, the way easy to follow and the goal soon reached. The first part of the old line was easy, a farmer obviously used it to get to his fields, it was broad, flat and there was much of interest to see as I strode along. Then gradually the going got harder, nettles and brambles began to fill the path, trees had taken root, the path that was broad now began to narrow and lose its appeal. Finally there came a point where it was too much hard work to follow and in the end led nowhere! So, it was back to the map to find the right way and work out the quickest route back to the path. It took some effort, but the closer I got to the path the easier the way became…

…How many times do we become enticed by something new that comes along in life, something that surely will not bring any spiritual harm? Maybe a new career catches our interest, a new hobby, a new interest or a new friend. It happens to us all in one way or another and this new path appears broad and easy at first.  But sooner or later the lesson is learned that we need the right path and we need the map – the scriptures - to guide our way back. To admit we have taken the wrong path takes humility and to find our way back will need effort, but the more we try the easier it will become.

Soon dark clouds appeared on the horizon and the wind picked up. Within a mile I was back on the path, but by now the rain was falling steadily. But what matter if it rained, I was covered up, my boots were waterproof and only my jeans got wet. The walk was still a pleasure, the scenery still nice and still much in the way of wildlife to see. By now I was walking through masses of yellow flowers and a loud buzzing noise! Bees, hundreds of them, not a bit put off by the rain, they were too busy working. So, was the walk worth it, but of course! What's more, the journeys end was much nearer, a change of clothing awaited me and I could almost smell the coffee brewing! Just more ‘heavy sunshine’ to enjoy on the way...

So where does this lead our thoughts. Well, intermingled with the ups and downs of life there are many joys, it’s just that we can lose sight of them. Problems can become the focus and we lose sight of why we started our walk in the first place. The walk was intended to be a pleasure for me, a walk in the countryside to relax and take in the sight, sounds and smell of nature. Did the rain stop me doing that? No!  When rain is not seen as a problem it becomes just a part of the overall experience. The same principle applies to life. There are many things in life to value and much to take pleasure in. Day by day the Lord our God renews His love and mercy. He has allowed us each new day of life, that life is His gift. He has fed us, He has clothed us and more than this our Creator has shown us the path to eternal life. What is a bit of ‘rain’ compared to this! Beyond the trials and sorrows of life, lies the sunshine of the Kingdom and a true and lasting rest.

The problem we face day by day is that the storm clouds of life can make us lose sight of the path. We forget the present blessings and lose sight of the joys to come. But we do have a map and it should always be to hand. 'It is not in the way of man to guide his own footsteps'; we need to follow the Word.

As we look at and memorise God’s route map to the Kingdom, we will be guided along the right path and encouraged by the things to come. We will find happiness on the way if we but look for it. We will enjoy the company of those with whom we share our precious faith, we will appreciate acts of kindness, and we will take pleasure in offering our help where we can. We will have the greatest joy of all, that of knowing we are part of God’s family. As we study the scriptures to direct our way, our eyes will be directed to the journeys end, our true home so soon to come – the Kingdom of God.

So what if there are trials on the way – they are just a bit of ‘heavy sunshine’!

Andy P.