INSPIRATION

“Sometimes the smallest piece of glass catches the light in exactly the place where it is needed.”

The Light Shines Through You

Have you ever looked closely at a stained-glass window?

From a distance, you see one beautiful picture. But up close, you discover that it is made from many individual pieces of glass. Some are bright and colorful. Others are quiet and subtle. Each piece has a different shape, size, and place in the design.

On its own, one small piece may not seem very important. But the artist sees the whole picture. The artist knows exactly where every piece belongs.

And then the light shines through.

That is when the beauty of each piece becomes visible.

Our Kids Ministry is a little like that stained-glass window. Each volunteer brings something different. Some of you are energetic and playful. Some are gentle listeners. Some are wonderful storytellers. Others quietly notice the child who is standing alone or needs a little extra encouragement.

You may not always recognize the importance of what you bring. You may even compare yourself with someone who seems more outgoing, more creative, or more confident. But God never asked you to be someone else’s piece of the picture. He placed you here to faithfully reflect His light through the person He created you to be.

As we spend time with Jesus, His light shines through our personalities, experiences, strengths, and even the places where we have felt weak. A child may not remember every lesson we teach, but they may remember the way we welcomed them, listened to them, prayed with them, or helped them believe that they mattered.

Sometimes the smallest piece of glass catches the light in exactly the place where it is needed.

Never underestimate what God can do through your presence. Every smile, every prepared activity, every patient response, every prayer, and every time you show up becomes part of the beautiful picture God is creating in the lives of our children.

You are not “just helping.”

You are giving children another opportunity to see what Jesus is like.

Take a Moment to Reflect

• What quality has God placed in you that helps others experience His love?

• Is there a part of yourself that you have been tempted to compare or dismiss?

• How might Jesus want to shine through you in a fresh way this month?

• Is there one child God may be asking you to notice more intentionally?

A Prayer

Jesus, thank You for creating each of us with care and placing us exactly where You can use us. Help us stop comparing our piece of the picture with someone else’s. Continue shaping us so that Your love, patience, joy, and kindness shine through us. Open our eyes to notice the children who especially need to feel seen and valued. Use every word, smile, prayer, and act of service to help them understand how deeply they are loved by You.

Thank You for allowing us to be part of the beautiful work You are doing in the next generation.

Amen.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” —1 Peter 4:10