In recent years I have hesitated to call myself “retired,” while still contemplating the idea of being free of work responsibilities and ties to the world at large. Little did I know that freedom from those ties still gives us plenty of work—in God’s kingdom on earth.
Mary Baker Eddy said, “The song of Christian Science is, ‘Work — work — work — watch and pray’ ” (Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 2). To me that represents a ratio of three-to-one in the “work” department. She goes on to say, “The close observer reports three types of human nature — the right thinker and worker, the idler, and the intermediate.” I started thinking about in which of these categories I wanted to be considered. Of course I chose the first.
A couple of years ago, I discovered a growth on my right cheek. In my estimation, it was not that unsightly at first, so I jokingly called it my “aging beauty mark.” Mistake 1): accepting age as a real part of my existence in God’s kingdom, instead of seeing myself as His perfect reflection. Soon the small spot grew larger and was uncomfortable. A well-meaning friend, who wasn’t a Christian Scientist, said I should have it checked by a doctor—that it might be something to worry about.
