IT seems to be a part of human experience that each shall, sooner or later, arrive at that place in his spiritual journey which has metaphorically been called "the valley of decision." In other words, it seems inevitable that each one shall reach a point where he is compelled to make some important decision, to come to some definite conclusion regarding a question so vital and far-reaching that it would seem as if his whole life, as well, perhaps, as that of others, will be touched by it. Well has this period of hesitation and uncertainty been termed a valley, for it lies at the foot of those hills of broader aspect and more exalted vision which may be reached only as one passes wisely through this quiet interval of earnest and prayerful contemplation.
Rightly declared the prophet Joel that there are "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision," for it is reached by everyone at some time in his experience. There are those who remain in this valley for a long time, hesitating, faltering, uncertain; while there are others who seem to cross it almost at a single stride, so to speak. That is because each individual has his own manner of working out his problem. But the Christian Scientist honestly endeavors to see the right path, although at times he may be torn with uncertainty lest, in spite of his best intentions, he may do the wrong thing, and become one or the other of those of whom our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has written in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 117), "The disobedient make their moves before God makes His, or make them too late to follow Him." But she adds the encouraging counsel, "Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance." How, asks the perplexed student, can one be sure that it is really God who is directing him, and not his own human will, or that of others? This question has so obviously two sides, with excellent arguments in favor of each, that its solution may not seem an easy one. The straight and narrow path has led one directly to "the valley of decision;" and one can neither avoid nor evade the issue.
If one is wise, he will sit quietly down for a moment, and ask how he is going to get out. He must think his way out. This much is obvious to every student of Christian Science. Yet as he looks about him the hills in the distance grow vague and dim, as a mist of confusion seems to settle over the valley, until to frightened material sense there appears to be no way out at all! He knows that one of the most crucial moments of his life has arrived. He cannot go back. He dare not go on. If only someone would tell him what to do!
