It was early in the morning when my son came into my bedroom crying. He said that he had a bad earache. I remember sitting straight up in bed, and the first thought that came to me—and it was so strong—was that this earache was nothing more than a suggestion. By that I mean the symptoms of pain were suggesting to my son, and to me, that he was vulnerable to illness and pain—to being separated from God.
Earlier in the day we’d been swimming at the beach and in a pool with family and friends. I was having a conversation with a family member and her friend when the subject of children’s earaches came up, and the friend asked me, “How do you handle these situations with your husband?” I listened and explained how my husband, who is not a Christian Scientist, and I have worked together harmoniously on issues regarding our child’s health. It felt right to say that when I’d truly felt a sense of the divine Father’s love for our son, fear subsided and healing came. We talked for a while longer and then left to go home.
As I sat up in bed that night, I realized that the general belief that something as innocent as swimming could cause an infection or pain was one that neither my son nor I had to accept. It was not in accord with God’s law of good, governing His creation.
