Packing boxes, wiping down our desks and clearing our lockers; that was what last week in our work office looked like. This Monday was our first day in our brand new office on the edge of Darling Harbour, Sydney, and boy, was the wait worth it!
From stunning views across the harbour to morning sunshine and balmy afternoon sunsets in the middle of winter; it has shifted the company culture significantly.
Science of sunlight
There are numerous studies done by medical practitioners which show that there is a correlation between sunlight and its exposure that increases the brain’s hormone, called Serotonin. This is associated with a mood boost to help a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting cues trigger the brain to release another hormone, called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping a person feel sleepy and therefore, go to sleep.
Without enough sunlight exposure, a person’s serotonin levels can dip low and low levels are associated with a higher risk of Season Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that is triggered by changing seasons.[1] In addition to this, there are a variety of other benefits of balanced sunlight, such as increased Vitamin D to help build strong bones, skin conditions and much more.
This study got me thinking (mind you, it’s been less than a week as I write this) —how can something so minor, as moving one’s perspective and obtaining natural sunlight invigorate a corporate team?
And how much more could moving into the presence of God’s grace and light invigorate our lives as Christians?
Let the light shine in
In John chapter 12 verse 35 (MSG) it puts it like this;
‘Jesus said, “For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn’t destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don’t know where you’re going. As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You’ll be children of light.”’
I found myself self-examining my own perspective on this season and the next.
Halfway through 2017 already and golly that went quick!
Science of shifted focus
Do I need a different perspective?
Am I growing familiar in my expectations from God and the way I seek God?
Do I lean in to be the light in my own workplace and social settings?
Am I allowing the light to radiate through me each day?
The last worship album from Hillsong Worship had a song called “Let There Be Light” which states:
Let there be light
Open our eyes to Your heart
Desperate just to know who You are
Shine in us we pray
Jesus have Your way
Let the light that shines above
Become the light that shines in us
There's no darkness in Your way
So have Your way
Lord have Your way
This song highlights the light metaphor that resonates throughout the Bible. It utters the desperation that we each can feel each season when we know we need God’s light to shine into our situation, our challenges, our weaknesses and our relationship with our almighty Father and walk with the Holy spirit.
Radiate through seasons and spheres
Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 puts it like this;
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Walking in light, season after season is not easy. Often it requires a shift in focus and being intentional to renew our mindsets on who we are, where we are placed and what we are called to do.
Matthew Chapter 5 verses 14 - 16 states: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As we walk into our spheres of influence, we have the opportunity to be light that ought to radiate and point to God’s grace, mercy, favour and love. We cannot do this alone, but in partnership with the one who is light—who can turn a dark situation into pure light and turn mourning into joy.
[1] Rachel Nall, “Healthline - What are the Benefits of Sunlight?”, 09 November 2015
Meenal Chandra is one of the Sydney-based writers who is loving her new view.
Meenal Chandra’s previous articles may be viewed at