Light Refracted- by Jennifer Winters

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:11 NLT)

A prism hangs above the kitchens sink. It reminds me of Jesus; solid, clear, simple, ever-present.

Light streams through the window every morning as the sun crests above the horizon. Some of the day’s beams burst through the window and slam into the opposing wall. Stopped short, they've accomplished little more than basic light. Their potential capped by their hurry to light the room alone and show off their glow.

But some of the light chooses differently; the beams that hit the prism dance and laugh throughout the space. Their pale yellow transformed to every color of beauty. Jesus has produced a different kind of splendor from this light, making it catch the eye in a way only He can.

We are called to be light in a dark world, but still must choose our way wisely. Days I run wild from the gate with no clear path are the days I soon hit a wall. I find myself looking to the sky, discouraged, with a sad heart, and asking God where I missed a step.

Then I am reminded that for my day to hold hope, I must look to God first, not last.

Only when I allow Jesus, solid and ever-present, to filter my light can I truly dance and spread color through the world. Hands in suds, breakfast soaking from plates, I sing His praises early, and let His light change mine.

Jennifer lives in Kansas and spends most of her days chasing three boys around, writing, and finding different ways to worship in the chaos. Contact