Surviving in college on a very limited budget was no easy feat. Everything was competing for the same few dollars at my disposal: food, clothing, school supplies, laundry, dues, and so on. Early on, however, as an active church member, I made a mental commitment that, regardless of other demands, I would set aside one dollar for church each Sunday. I felt that was the very least I could do to express my gratitude to God.
But then came a weekend when my funds were exhausted—except for that one dollar. Additional money would not be available until Monday, and borrowing from others was not possible. I faced an interesting choice: make that dollar stretch to pay for food or put it in the Sunday collection. I chose the latter, because I had already proved for myself the practicality of a statement by Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health: "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us." Science and Health, p. 79. This was an opportunity, I felt, to understand that truth more clearly, while at the same time living up to my commitment.
Admittedly, for most of the weekend I was keenly aware of having missed a good meal. But I decided to spend Sunday afternoon searching the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings for a more spiritual understanding of supply. About 5 p.m. I gained the peace I was seeking, through the realization that God doesn't punish us for fulfilling a right commitment. The solution to my need for supper came shortly thereafter in a way I couldn't possibly have outlined. A dorm mate whom I barely knew knocked at my door to say that he suddenly felt an unexplainable impulsion to share with me a package of food he had received the previous day. He also asked if I would be willing to tutor him regularly; and he even paid me in advance! That was the end of the problem.
