Some time ago it became apparent that the yard of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Ocala, Florida, needed extensive work. The grounds committee took steps to get a cost estimate for the improvements. The expense was beyond what we could afford, so a special fund was established to cover the cost of the work. Contributions were generous, and it looked as though the project could then go forward. But it did not. At that time the city decided to widen the street in front of our church, and the frontage and contour of our yard changed as a result of this. After the widening of the street was completed, we could see how wise it had been for us to wait to redo the landscaping. Still there were delays; it became necessary for the city to tear up the yard again to connect with the city sewer as required by the city code. At about the same time, the city replaced some of the trees in our front yard that had been removed during the widening of the street.
We felt now was the time to do the yardwork. Sod replacement was the major part of the renewal project. To be able to water the area regularly posed a problem because water restrictions were in effect. We were reminded of a passage in Isaiah: "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (65:24). Rains came in abundance right after the placing of the sod, and continued until the sod firmly took root.
The ongoing prayers of our membership proved that trust in God brings about the timely and harmonious implementation of all that needs to be done. Each time the thought presented itself that someone needed to do something to get this project moving, I kept knowing that the one Mind was guiding everyone specifically. Whenever the thought came to me that this or that needed to be taken care of now, I prayed and listened to God to know that it only needed to be done once, and at the right time. I found this passage, under the subject of "Obedience" in Miscellaneous Writings, especially helpful: "The neophyte is inclined to be too fast or too slow .... The disobedient make their moves before God makes His, or make them too late to follow Him. Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance" (p. 117).
