When I first began to learn of God through the study of Christian Science I rejoiced, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Ps. 119:97). As a result I experienced many physical healings, some of which were mentioned in my testimony in the Christian Science Sentinel of July 9, 1955.
Then came a long period of time when I felt a frequent sense of frustration, and when physical problems appeared I could not heal myself, though I always got relief when I appealed to a Christian Science practitioner.
Culminating a series of events, I found myself with only sixty-five dollars and a seven-year-old car to show after some thirty years of employment. With some serious thought I realized that my delight in spiritual unfoldment had been abandoned for a quest for the loaves and fishes—Christian Science had seemed to become for me something to use to obtain a mortal, material outlining of what constitutes good. Seeing this lack of a spiritual incentive in my approach to Science was a reawakening. I joyously exclaimed, "I have lost nothing," and from then on my prayer has been, "Teach me Thy will." My first big lesson was to overcome a sense of false responsibility. There are many others I am still learning, including expressing a truer sense of joy and confidence—confidence of God's ever-presence.
When I was spiritually prepared, I was led to enter the Christian Science Nurses Training School at Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, to embark on a career that has been continually challenging and fulfilling.
I feel my whole experience is summed up in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy in the paragraph that begins (p. 66), "Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff,—a broken reed, which pierces the heart." The paragraph ends with this statement: "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love."
My gratitude to God is great for His revelation to Mrs. Eddy of this Science, which was exemplified by Christ Jesus. The Christian Science Reading Rooms and class instruction have been wonderful sources of inspiration in trying times. Membership in The Mother Church has kept aglimmer for me the omnipresence of Love, and membership in a branch church has added steadiness to resolve.
Tigard, Oregon
