THE PERFECT DAY

Photo on a hike for the Summer Solstice in 2015.

The summer solstice will occur this Sunday, June 21, at 2:24 AM MDT. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with 15 hours and 3 minutes of sunlight. Sunrise is at 5:57 AM, and sunset is at 9:01 PM. If you include twilight (the light before sunrise and after sunset), the day feels even longer—closer to 17+ hours of usable light.


It is also Father’s Day on this year’s summer solstice.

Male and female, yin and yang, dark and light all play an important role in summer and winter solstice observances. According to Chinese philosophy, yang forces are more potent during the summer solstice. Yang represents the masculine principle—light, heat, and activity—and is associated with the sun, heaven, and strength. Yang is strongest at the summer solstice but begins to decline immediately afterward. Yin (darkness, rest, and inward energy) then begins to gradually increase. The cycle is always shifting; it is never static.

Here is a beautiful quote about the summer solstice, in which it is symbolic of the “perfect day”:

"The scriptures tell us the connection between acquiring light and truth and obedience to the commandments is direct, immediate and inescapable. It can be acquired in no other way. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” A “perfect day” seems clear enough. Cloudless and clear, at the apex of the summer solstice, a “perfect day” would be filled with light and warmth. That kind of symbol powerfully captures an image. The image is suggesting to us what standing in God’s presence would be like. The Millennium would be a “perfect day” in which the “light of the earth” will dwell among mankind. So that is what we seek. But how does one “receive light” and “continue in God” so as to receive more light?"

"This principle is explained further: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." This is another way of describing the same growth in grace. From a lesser to a greater degree you progress in light and truth as you obey the commandments. That growth increases the brightness of the light in the mind of the obedient “until the perfect day.” Think about what is implied by this phrase. A perfect day would be bright, clear, warm and at the zenith of the summer solstice. If you were trying to find a metaphor for being in God’s presence, you would use such a phrase. That is what receiving the Second Comforter is like; the Perfect Day, in which there is no longer shadow, darkness or clouds. There is clarity, vision and warmth. To get there you must keep the commandments"

The Second Comforter - Conversing with the Lord through the Veil, KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS, pg. page 56)

Sidenote:

Across the world, cultures observe the summer solstice as a meaningful spiritual moment tied to the sun, nature, and renewal, expressed through traditions that reflect shared themes of light, unity, and reverence. From Austria’s mountaintop bonfires to Tasmania’s tradition of welcoming the longest day with an ocean swim at sunrise, and from witnessing the sunrise at Stonehenge to gatherings at the pyramids of Giza, these observances often incorporate fire, ritual, and community. Together, they symbolize rebirth, warmth, and a connection to a higher power. Despite cultural differences, these practices share a common purpose: recognizing the longest day of the year as a sacred time for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. 



Austrians celebrate the June 21 solstice by continuing a medieval tradition of lighting mountaintop fires, blending historical roots with religious symbolism.



Stonehenge was built to align with the summer and winter solstices, and every June 20–21, crowds gather to witness this ancient tradition of watching the solstice sunrise.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is positioned between the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu at sunset on the summer solstice, with the sun setting between them to evoke the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for “horizon.

In the city constructed by the Mayans, people gather to celebrate the summer solstice near the Temple of Kukulcán. Due to its construction, one side is always illuminated in light, while the other — is engulfed in darkness.


In Tasmania, the summer solstice tradition involves sunrise swims where people gather at beaches or river mouths to swim as the sun rises—symbolizing renewal, energy, and a deep connection to nature.

Addendum:

Joseph and his brother Hyrum left Illinois to escape mob violence on the summer solstice of 1844. At the behest of friends, he returned across the Mississippi River to surrender to the Illinois authorities the day after the solstice. Four days later, as sunlight began its decline, both were slain.

There has been a significant effort to gather and preserve documents related to Hyrum Smith. It is the most comprehensive single source of material related to Hyrum available today. The work to prepare this research project for publication continues. The hope was to release the first volume this Sunday, on the summer solstice, but there is still much to be done. I want to express my deep gratitude to all those who have worked so hard. Featured below is a concept for the book cover, created by my close friend Bob Sonntag—one of four designs created for the four volumes.

BURDENS WE CARRY

It has been months since I last posted. The struggles of life are real, and I think we often underestimate the burdens others carry.

I recently learned about a Native American tradition called a burden basket. These baskets are part of a ritual used to hold the burdens we can no longer bear.

Traditionally, burden baskets are made of cedar wood, as the cedar tree is believed to absorb tears, anger, and sorrow. People would write their burdens on a slip of paper and place them inside the basket, allowing it to hold their grief, pain, and sorrow.

As part of the ritual, the basket is later burned, and the ashes are scattered in a peaceful place—symbolizing release, healing, and moving forward. 

 

I take great comfort from this blogpost: 

".. in the coming day when death, sickness and pain have passed away, and God will wipe away every tear from every eye, that it will include wiping away God’s own tears from His eyes. For God has not been unmoved by our disappointments, aloof from our broken hearts, and distant from our cries. He has been and is present throughout it all. He understands, cares, and weighs every moment of our plight, and intends to comfort us always. Whether in life or in death, He is intimate and affected." 

"We need to abandon old ways and begin anew. Until we are open to the new truths offered through the Gospel, we can’t even start the journey. We’re headed in the wrong direction and don’t even know it. First, we need to realize our direction is wrong. Then, stop going that way. When we turn to the new direction, we’ve begun repenting. From repentance comes light and truth. At first, just turning to face the new direction is a great revelation. But you’ve not seen anything until you walk in that direction for a while. As you move toward the light and receive more, the world itself changes meaning and nothing you used to think important remains important." Excerpt from the definition of "Becoming as a Little Child", Glossary, Covenant Christian Edition Scriptures


Below are few photos I have taken over the past two months that have been peaceful places for me.

Sunrise Hike in the Wasatch Mountais