Several years ago when I was quite new in the study of Christian Science, I had an experience which has given me a great deal of inspiration and help.
I had decided to build on a lot that I was unable to sell, and I chose a contractor simply from an attractive advertisement of a model home that I had noticed several times in a newspaper published in a neighboring city.
Arrangements were made, including financing. I planned to make a much more substantial down payment than was required, using my savings, and when all was ready the contractor asked me to make my check payable to him. This was a mistake, as I learned later from the bank.
When considerable time had elapsed and nothing was done, I began trying to get in touch with the contractor. He was never in, and he did not return my calls. His office told me that they did not know his residential address, and he did not have a telephone because he lived in a new housing tract.
Eventually I took a day off from work and went to the Better Business Bureau to see what I could learn about him. The clerk, with a little shake of her head, brought out a bulging file of complaints of unethical conduct, misappropriated funds, lawsuits pending, and judgments granted which could not be collected for lack of assets.
Facing a blank wall, very much depressed, and unable to think of a thing to do, I began to wonder if Christian Science could help in a situation like this. I telephoned a practitioner and explained my problem, and he spoke of God's loving care and explained that whatever is really important, is important to God. Then he said he would begin prayerful work immediately and added firmly, "Remember, God governs."
I sat for some time pondering that statement and could not understand it. I could see that God could govern my life because I wanted Him to; but I did not hold the key to this situation, and what could God do with one who seemed to manifest so much evil? Finally I made a firm decision to leave the matter completely in God's hands.
About half an hour later, I felt a flood tide of joy possess me, and the load I had found so heavy rolled away. That joy and peace did not leave me, even though there was no apparent change in the situation as time went on. I never again saw or talked to that contractor, though that had previously seemed to be the thing I must accomplish somehow.
I finally realized that the money had come to be curiously unimportant. It was not a case of becoming reconciled to my loss at all; I just had no feeling of having lost anything—except the heavy sense of loss itself.
One day the thought came to me that I could write a letter to that contractor, even though I could not contact him personally. I did this at once, outlining the situation briefly and stating that I did not plan recourse to law but that all I wanted was the fulfillment of our contract.
Several weeks went by, and then one day a name came strongly to my thought. I finally recalled having heard it mentioned as a subcontractor who was to build for a family who were in the office making arrangements the same day that I was. It occurred to me that he could tell me how to get in touch with my contractor, and I telephoned at once. He answered the telephone himself, and as soon as he heard my name he exclaimed: "I'm glad to hear from you. I understand I'm to build a house for you."
In complete surprise I asked, "Do you know the circumstances?"
He assured me that he did because he had my letter before him on his desk. Then he went on to say that my contractor was not a bad sort at heart but that he was in financial difficulty and had done some questionable things as a result. The subcontractor could not understand why, but I was the only one to whom the contractor was trying to make good his promises. He had offered the subcontractor a piece of land that was worth more than my payment if he would build for me. As prayerful work in Christian Science was continued, an unusual agreement between the subcontractor and his bank was reached to enable building to begin right away.
The house was soon ready for occupancy. It has been rented constantly since and provides welcome additional income for my retirement; but the greatest blessing was spiritual, not material. I feel that I can never again doubt God's care, nor need I worry about how things are to be accomplished, if I just stop using human will when making plans and leave all to God.
I am very grateful for many healings, including those of quinsy, a recurring serious eye inflammation, and an ulcer on my ankle. Two of these healings were instantaneous. I want to express my deep gratitude for the work of faithful practitioners.
I am also grateful for a better understanding, gained through Science, of the Bible, which is more real and vital to me than it ever was during my years of membership in another church. I am thankful too for the daily bread that is so plentifully available to us in the various Christian Science periodicals. I have never failed to find in them something that meets my individual need as problems arise.— Redondo Beach, California.
