Christian Science has been guiding me daily in my work as an elementary school teacher, and before that during my college years. About two years ago I learned the valuable lesson that one should immediately apply Christian Science to problems.
My foot became painful after a slight accident in the home. One day I found it difficult to put my shoe on. I went to school feeling uncomfortable, and by the middle of the morning I could barely stand on that foot. During a free period I went down to the nurse's office to rest. The nurse commented that it looked infected and that I ought to see a doctor about it. I realized, quite belatedly, that I needed to meet this claim of error squarely and not ignore it any longer. However, fear had crept in at the sight of the alarming physical symptoms, and I felt unable to handle it myself. The very first words of the Christian Science practitioner on whom I called had a healing effect upon my thought. She said, "You know, man can only be reached by love; his true substance cannot become infected."
I had playground duty within ten minutes, and I knew that I would be there in my right place and able to perform my responsibilities. After speaking with the practitioner, I returned to my classroom and sat quietly praying to God and firmly acknowledging my spiritual relationship to Him. The words "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect" (Ps. 18:32) brought me a great sense of confidence for meeting my need. I knew that God didn't create inflammation or pain. I also knew that God loved me and was there with me helping me to see my spiritual perfection clearly. I was able to walk around the playground quite freely, even though my foot still was swollen.
