Guest Op-Ed: The Sun is Shining

Dr. Glenn Mollette 

The Sun is shining today and will rise tomorrow. For more years than we know the Sun has followed this same pattern. 

The rising Sun is a good pattern for all of us. We know each day we can count on the Sun. Somedays the Sun is hidden by clouds but it’s there. Too often we forget to notice the Sun. Often it feels too hot or we wish it would warm up. We are never completely satisfied with the job the Sun does. Too hot, not hot enough. Too bright. Through all of our life’s discontents with the Sun’s performance, the Sun keeps performing. Throughout my lifetime I don’t know of a day that the Sun has let me down. It just keeps on glowing regardless of the day or world events. 

I remember the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. His death was one of the darkest days I can remember as a child but the Sun never ceased to shine. 

When Americans came home from Vietnam in boxes and thousands of funerals were held around the country, we mourned but the Sun kept shining. 

I’ve buried a wife and a baby and it seems like looking back that for a period of time I doubt that I even noticed the Sun was shining. Often life’s traumas block the Sun from our eyes even if we are starring right into its rays. 

Millions of Americans are unhappy with the election, and some aspects of American life. We don’t like Covid-19, unemployment nor the unrest that is all over our country. We sadly have become alienated from good people who have different opinions than we do and this is tragic. 

Today we need to look for the Sun. The Sun is not political. The Sun shines on the Democrats and the Republicans. The Sun shines on sinners and the righteous. The Sun takes care of the planet providing our warmth, growth and our very lives. We take the Sun for granted. So often we don’t even pay attention to all the Sun does and provides. However, we need the Sun. We do hear about the importance of clean water and air but are you grateful for the good air and water that you do have? 

Take time to notice the Sun today. A clear day or a cloudy day will find the Sun shining. Another day of life means another day to enjoy all that God has created and made. I’ve never known a day of life without the Sun. I’ve never known a day that I couldn’t find good people with whom to talk. I’ve never experienced a day that I didn’t feel there were people to love and people who cared about me. 

God has provided the Sun and as long as our creator wants it to shine it’s going to shine.  Today, let the Sun shine on you.

Glenn Mollette is the publisher of Newburgh Press, Liberty Torch and various other publishing imprints; a national columnist –  American Issues and Common Sense opinions, analysis, stories and features appear each week In over 500 newspapers, websites and blogs across the United States.