“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
The clocks just fell back, and that extra morning light is waiting outside your door like a gift with your name on it.
Have you noticed it this week? Since daylight saving time ended on Sunday, November 1, the sun is up a little earlier when you wake. But by suppertime, it’s already dark. Many of us feel that shift. We get sleepy earlier. We stay inside more. The days can start to feel small.
Here’s the good news: God still sends the sunrise every single morning. And you don’t need anything fancy to enjoy it.
Why the morning?
Why do we love the morning so much at the retreat? It’s quiet. It’s fresh. It’s the first page of a new day God has given you.
People have loved early walks, fresh air, and quiet time with the Lord for generations. In The Ministry of Healing, in the chapter “The Use of Remedies,” Ellen G. White put it this way: “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.”
Look at that list. Sunlight, fresh air, movement, water, rest, and trust in God. A morning light walk gathers almost all of them into one small habit.
What you’ll need
Think of this like a simple recipe:
10 to 20 minutes within an hour of waking up
A warm coat, a hat, and good shoes (November mornings in Virginia can be crisp!)
A glass of warm water before you head out
An open heart for prayer, a verse, or simple thanks
That’s it. No gym. No cost.
How to do it
Drink your warm water. Your body has gone all night without a sip. A plain glass of warm water is a gentle way to start.
Step outside. Walk around the block, down the driveway, or simply sit on the porch.
Look up at the sky. Let your eyes take in the bright morning. Just never look straight at the sun.
Breathe slowly. Notice the cool air, the trees, the birds.
Talk with God. Thank Him for three things. Pray for someone. Or repeat Psalm 118:24 as you walk.
Try it for one week. Many people find their mornings feel calmer, and their evenings feel a bit more settled too. Everyone is different, so pay attention to how it feels for you.
A few safety notes
If you have a heart condition, breathing problem, joint trouble, or any health concern, talk with your doctor before starting a new walking routine.
Watch for frost and ice on steps and sidewalks. Wear reflective clothing if it’s still dim near the road.
If you take medicine that makes you more sensitive to the sun, ask your doctor or pharmacist about sun safety.
This habit is a lifestyle practice, not a treatment. Please keep working with your doctor, especially if you have a health condition or take medicine.
Caring for your skin after the cold air
Cold wind outside and dry heat inside can leave your skin feeling tight. After your walk, try a little body oil or body butter on your hands, elbows, and cheeks.
Why is our body butter natural? It’s plants. We whip it from real butters like shea and cocoa, with simple oils, and nothing you can’t pronounce. If you’d like to try a bar or a jar, we’d love to share one with you.
Come walk with us
At our home retreat in Virginia, many of our mornings begin just like this: a warm drink, a quiet walk, an open Bible, and the sun coming up over the trees. If you’d ever like to experience that with us, and learn more simple habits for a healthier life, our door is open. No pressure, just a warm welcome.
Tomorrow morning, step outside. Look up. Say thank you. This is the day the Lord has made.
With love,
Rays of Light Ministry