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The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” Matthew 6:22. When you look through a window, you’re given the opportunity to choose where your eye will focus. Will it be the dirt on the pane or the beautiful blooming tree in the yard? It goes without saying that our perspective drives our belief system. If you are only tuned in to one narrative, then you may be missing a signi_cant piece of the overall landscape of Christianity. Sometimes our opinions are simply formed out of what others say, but the true window into the heart, as noted in the above scripture, is through the eye.

Just as God gives us free will when it comes to our actions, I truly believe that same free will is given to us regarding our focus and perspective. Imagine for a moment that you are running late for work, the kiddos are not cooperating, and the gas tank says empty… what does your natural eyes see? I see a _ustered mother who is already exhausted before the day has begun, a co c ee stain on my shirt, a homework paper that needs signed and a spilled purse in the front seat. But what if I looked closer with my spiritual eyes? My perspective would change when I look in the rearview mirror and see my two gifts from God about to embark on their day, a sunny sky, a hot cup of co c ee in the cup holder, a running vehicle and another chance to ful_ll my role that God has laid before me. In the frustration I saw everyone and everything around me running on empty, but in the pause, God _lled me up with gratitude.

A beautiful encounter with the Creator that would shift the entire trajectory of the day for myself and family. I encourage you to take time and snap a picture of your window. What do you see that brings you joy? What do you see that reminds you of Jesus? Is there anything in the way of being able to see the light? You will _nd that we often take our own view of life for granted and this outlook can negatively change our prospective of the gifts we already hold. It is always my prayer for these articles that God’s light is shown through the words of a woman that at times feels overworked, overstimulated and overlooked. A woman, like so many of you, that continuously tries to _nd the goodness in all the mess that surrounds…yet fails at times.

A woman who has surrendered solitude so that God can use my darkest moments to bring light to the lives of others by means of a small-town newspaper. It is my prayer this particular week that your eyes be healthy – may they see the good in others, may they witness the smallest moments of joy, may they look at the beauty instead of pain and may they always end up in the direction of Jesus. Friend, we don’t have to look far to _nd our Father, He’s in everything _lled with light, hope, life, beauty and love – maybe it is time for us all to refocus.

— Intentionally take time to pray each day.

— Choose a chapter in the Bible to read with understanding this week – ask God for wisdom.

— Find a positive attribute about the day before bed each night – a wonderful thing to do with your family as well.

— Share your light!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life.” John 8:12 Blessings, Kayla