Most assuredly Mrs. Eddy realized the importance of gratitude when she wrote in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XVII, Sect. 2), "Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years." Gratitude dispels fear, and it opens one's thought to the inspiration of divine Mind, thereby proving the healing power of Truth.
Shortly after I retired four years ago, my wife and I moved to a small city in the southern part of the state. As in many small cities, there are no sidewalks except in the business section. It has been my custom since living here to go for an early morning hike, as the air is so fresh and traffic is very light at that hour. To me this is the most precious time of day, for it gives one the opportunity to draw nigh to God in silent communion and gratitude for all His glorious creation.
One morning as I was preparing for my morning hike, I felt a very sharp pain in my back. The first suggestion that came to me was, "You had better go back to bed and rest." Instead of accepting this suggestion, I continued dressing with some difficulty and went for my usual hike. It was not easy; but as I walked, I started counting the blessings which I had received through the study and application of Christian Science.
