Having recently had the task of looking after a small child, I have been struck with the realization of how much men and women can learn from children, their complete and unwavering trust in those on whom they depend, their responsiveness, their sense of wonder as things which have hitherto been unknown unfold to them, and above all their spontaneity and happiness.
Bearing this out are Mrs. Eddy's words in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 323, 324): "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony." In thinking this over I saw how much happier I could be if I faced each problem with the same childlike surrender that I felt when I was led to the study of Christian Science through a wonderful healing. I turned wholeheartedly to an unknown power beyond myself and was given my answer in Christian Science, just as a little child turns to its mother and receives comfort.
When I was at school I had a severe nervous breakdown and a physical complaint which the doctors seemed unable to diagnose. After I had spent months in a nursing home (during which time my weight went down to under six stone) the doctors advised that I be sent back to school, where I should be under observation and where the more normal surroundings might help me. A few weeks later my mother sent me a copy of Science and Health. Although this book was not new to me, because I had been to a Christian Science Sunday School when a small child, I just glanced at it and tucked it away in a drawer, thinking it was of use to me.
