In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 58) Mary Baker Eddy says, "Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections." Here, as we immediately notice, our Leader does not say home should be but that it "is the dearest spot on earth." Then, if in our experience this does not appear to be so, may it not be that we are not assimilating the full significance of the above statement; that we are holding to a concept of home that is more or less incorrect? And does it not also follow that in order to correct the situation we must gain the spiritual concept of home as viewed through the lens of Christian Science? We shall assuredly find that in proportion to our earnestness and application, the understanding thus gained will find its beneficent expression in our human experience.
To human sense, home is a material abode established in a certain place, governed in its limited or abundant measure of happiness and prosperity by the conditions within its walls, and by the various laws claiming to govern the activity of its members. Perhaps we are making the mistake of seeing our home as a material structure, and are trying to spiritualize the material. Upon reflection we shall realize that this cannot be done, for the unreal or mortal cannot be made real. Error must be dismissed from thought and the true, spiritual concept allowed to take its place. One who is thinking of his home in terms of matter may well be likened to the "foolish man, which built his house upon the sand," for it has no foundation, and when the winds of adversity blow upon it, it will fall and great will be the fall of it. The material concept of a home is temporal, but the true home is enduring—everlasting. Christian Scientists are learning that home is a state of spiritual consciousness wherein the real significance of all harmonious existence is seen to be founded on the Rock, Christ, Truth.
How often, perhaps in visiting the home of a loved friend, we say, "I feel quite at home," or "How homelike it is here!" We become conscious of the loving atmosphere into which we are being welcomed and of the love and kindness our friend is reflecting, and of which we are aware. May we not see from this that the true home is mental; and may we not go farther in our realization and see that man is always at home in the consciousness of infinite, protecting Love? Surely we may carry this concept ever with us, and realize that, wherever we may be, in our real spiritual being we are always at home and are always conscious of home. This realization of harmonious living and loving would do much towards dissolving any manifestation of discord, should we at any time find ourselves in what seems to be a discordant household. The presence of the Christ, realized, brings a healing blessing to the situation.
