We learn in Christian Science that gratitude must become a living influence in our daily lives. The outward expression of our appreciation of this influence is part of our reflection of Spirit; and we all can offer a testimony of the healing power of divine Science through our periodicals and our Wednesday evening meetings. My sense of gratitude has been growing greatly, and I offer these words of thanksgiving in appreciation of innumerable blessings.
Although I had the privilege of attending a Christian Science Sunday School from an early age, not until I was in my late teens did I learn that I must work out my own salvation. Having had a very unpleasant experience with a person who had been a close friend for several years—an experience which led to our breaking up the friendship entirely—I was left in a serious condition. The mental strain even led me to an attempt to destroy myself. My schoolwork and other everyday activities were almost wholly neglected. Finally, gleams of truth made me realize that I could be healed if I persevered. For nearly a year I studied alone, applying what I could understand, until fear was destroyed. Then I was led to a more experienced student, who lovingly aided me in seeing more of Love's supply for man. Humbly and honestly I can say that Christian Science alone turned hatred to a broader, higher sense of Love, dishonesty to honesty, self-pity to universal love, and sorrow to joy. From the wilderness of a listless, inactive life, this religion has brought me to greater usefulness than ever before.
The consecrated work done by my friend, a practitioner, and my Sunday school teachers, prepared me for the joy of membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church. It further aided me to partake of the holy privilege of class instruction. These and other fruits of the Spirit give me a profound sense of God's loving care for His little ones.
