Many people are conscious from time to time of a sudden intuition calling for some action. When the motive is clearly unselfed, and the result promises the promotion of good in the human scene, it may well be an angel message. In such a case the action will be guided and spiritualized by divine Mind. But how to know that it is so inspired? If a course of action has no taint of self-will, self-aggrandizement, or self-serving and is motivated by love, it must bring blessing in its train. But even then, continuous listening to Mind and obeying its leadings are essential.
To illustrate: one morning while I was dressing, the thought came as if spoken to me by another person—"Write an article about Naomi." I had not been thinking about writing for the Christian Science periodicals at that time, nor had I recently studied the story of Ruth, so I was momentarily taken aback by the thought. However, it seemed to be in the nature of an order, and I resolved to obey it. The first step was obviously to reread the book of Ruth, but having done so I objected, "There is so little about Naomi in the Biblical account that I cannot possibly write an article about her." Abandoning the project, I got up from my desk, but before I had reached the door of the room the thought came imperatively: "You have been told to write the article; now get on with it." I returned to the desk, still doubting.
Then I saw that Naomi illustrates selfless, efficient service to one's family, the self-forgetfulness of a mother's care, constant and undiminished even when taken for granted. She could be seen as symbolizing the love that reflects divine Love—love that is ever at work, although too often unheralded and unsung. I wrote quickly—too quickly—and with the satisfied feeling of a job accomplished, I sent the manuscript off to The Christian Science Publishing Society in Boston. It was kindly but firmly rejected!
