One of the things I love most about summer isn’t vacation. It’s what summer does for my body.
The fact that there is soooo much more light is a big blessing in itself. Living with chronic illness has taught me how much that morning sunshine matters. Even when I am indoors much of the day, having sunshine pour into my bedroom first thing in the morning, and then into my office throughout the day, makes a huge difference in my energy levels.
And since I spend sooo much time lollygagging on my deck, not only am I getting extra sunshine there, I’m also getting a little movement in since I started “deckening” and now have over 40 pots to water! Even when I spend time in morning devotions on the deck, eat lunch outside, or take an afternoon break, I’m getting more light without even thinking about it.
Then there is the fact that walking is just so much easier. No snow to navigate. Even driving somewhere to get groceries is simpler because I don’t have to layer on warm clothes or lace up my snow shoes. (Okay, okay… I don’t actually wear snow shoes… I just use boots! Ha ha.) But you get my drift.
Summer is just… easier.
I’ve often wondered why summer seems to give me a few extra spoons when living with chronic illness. The more I’ve learned about how God designed our bodies, the more I’ve realized it isn’t just my imagination. There are real reasons why this season can become one of the easiest times of year to support healing. It’s not because summer magically makes us well. It’s because so many of the things God created naturally work together to help our brains and bodies feel calmer, safer, and more supported.
And then there’s the food. Fresh vegetables are everywhere. Summer berries are so much more flavourful. Farmers’ markets are full of beautiful herbs, and somehow even the vegetables seem to smell better in the summer.
How God Designed Our Bodies to Respond to His Creation
All of those little things add up inside our bodies and brains, especially within our nervous system. None of them are miraculous on their own, but together they create an environment that quietly communicates something very important:
You’re safe.
God designed our brains to pay attention to safety. Long before we ever understood the science, He created our bodies with an incredible healing intelligence. Our brains are constantly taking in information from the world around us, asking questions we aren’t even aware of.
Am I safe?
Can I relax?
Is this a good time to repair and restore?
When our brains begin answering “yes” to those questions more often, our bodies are able to shift away from constant protection and begin supporting healing in the ways God designed them to.
Your Body May Be Doing More Than You Realize
For a long time, I couldn’t understand why my body reacted the way it did. It seemed like the smallest thing could leave me exhausted and I often wondered why I wasn’t making the progress I hoped for.
Learning about the brain and nervous system gave me a completely different perspective. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” I began asking, “What is my body trying to accomplish?”
That’s an important question.
Our brains are constantly receiving information from our eyes, ears, skin, muscles, and every other part of our body. All day long, they quietly sort through that information, deciding where our energy is needed most.
If the brain senses that life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it naturally gives more attention to protection than restoration. That’s not because it has forgotten how to heal. It’s because protection comes first.
I think that’s one more example of God’s incredible wisdom. He designed our bodies with an amazing ability to respond to what is happening around us. When we begin creating small moments of calm, light, rest, and peace, we’re giving our brains new information to work with.
We’re gently reminding our bodies that this is a safe place to begin restoring again.
Partner With God’s Design
Learning this has changed the way I think about healing.
Instead of always asking, “What else should I do?” I find myself asking a different question:
“How can I help my body feel a little safer today?”
Some days the answer is sitting on the deck with my Bible instead of staying inside. Some days it’s taking a slow walk while enjoying the sunshine. Some days it’s picking up fresh vegetables from the farmers’ market. And some days it’s watering all those flower pots that have completely taken over my deck! (No regrets!)
None of those things are a cure. But every one of them reminds my body of something God has been saying all along.
Rest.
Breathe.
Slow down.
Notice My creation.
You are safe with Me.
Those small choices may seem insignificant on their own, but together they begin supporting the beautiful healing rhythms God designed into our bodies from the very beginning.
Enjoy the Rest of Summer
If you’re reading this while summer is still in full swing, don’t rush past it.
Enjoy the longer days. Take your morning coffee outside. Read a chapter of your Bible on the deck. Watch a sunset. Walk a little slower. Visit the farmers’ market. Thank God for the sunshine on your face.
These aren’t just enjoyable summer activities. They are opportunities to partner with the incredible wisdom God built into your body.
And who knows? You may even find yourself gaining a few extra spoons along the way.
Want to Learn More?
If today’s blog made you curious about how your brain and nervous system work together with the way God designed your body, I’d love to share one of my favourite resources with you.
God Designed Your Brain to Heal: Understanding Stress, Safety, and Your Healing Journey explains, in simple and encouraging language, how Scripture and gentle neuroscience beautifully work together. You’ll discover why your brain pays so much attention to safety, why that affects healing, and how small daily rhythms can begin supporting the way God designed your body to function.
I pray it encourages you to see your body with fresh eyes and reminds you that God’s design is full of wisdom, compassion, and hope.