Turn the prism! I say that a lot, often just to myself. It means looking at a situation from the opposite point of view, perhaps through the eyes of a person with whom I disagree. For example, just this morning, while sorting out something in my mind, the words of Jesus came to me: Don’t just love your neighbor; love your enemy as well. It took me a minute to get it. It wasn’t about love and hate specifically, but it was about looking at things through someone else’s eyes…like turning the prism.

We live in a society that teaches us to take care of ourselves first and to think that our personal needs and wants should be first on our list. It made me think of my wedding. I chose the date with no thought as to whether or not it was convenient for any family members. It turns out, for many reasons, that none of my family could attend. And because I didn’t “turn the prism” and see the situation from their point of view, they didn’t get to share my special day with me.

As we begin a New Year, we could make a resolution to turn the prism more, to look at the world through the eyes of the people around us instead of looking inward. And as you turn the prism, take time to marvel at the multitude of colorful lights that shine through your daily experiences, reminding you of the presence of God in each other.