As a young sailor away from home for the first time in my life, I was excited and enthusiastic about my new career. I had just finished my first training school after boot camp, and I was eager to attend my next school, which was to be the basis for my Navy vocation.
As our company of three hundred men was divided into the various schools we were to attend, we were informed that six men from each of the six schools would be required to postpone their studies for seven weeks and work in the mess halls. As you can perhaps imagine, this was considered the most undesirable work in the Navy—the hours were long, and the chores were messy and dirty. I was the second selected from my school.
I was upset, even enraged, at the prospect of having to give up the school I was looking forward to for seven weeks of cleaning garbage cans from four in the morning until eight at night (or at least that’s what the rumors said). That night I was inconsolable as I envisioned the long hours and miserable days ahead.
It became obvious to me that I was not the victim of chance, but that my experience here, as a child of God, was under the control of infinite, divine Mind.
The school was located at one of the largest military installations in the country. Because of its size, those of us on mess duty were given the first day off with a checklist of facilities we were to visit to familiarize ourselves with the base. One of the locations on the checklist was the base library, and as I wandered through the bookshelves, I wondered if they had a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I was very familiar with this book, since before I could walk I was attending a Christian Science nursery, and then I went on to Sunday School.
Sure enough, there was a religion section, and alone on the top shelf—not a book within a foot on either side—was a copy of Science and Health. As I took the book in my hand, I mused that I had never read the book from cover to cover. I sat down and started to read, right from the Preface.
As I read, words that I had read and heard so often in Sunday School suddenly had more meaning. It became obvious to me that I was not the victim of chance, but that my experience here, as a child of God, was under the control of infinite, divine Mind. As this realization dawned upon me, my entire being was transformed. It became clear that I, as a son of God, could never be separated from His presence. And God, as my Father-Mother, would never allow me to be in a position that wouldn’t bless me. God would always care for me, provide for me, and place me in harmonious situations. I virtually danced out of the library, deciding that if I were going to be working in the kitchens, I was going to be the best worker they could have selected.
The next morning, as we lined up outside the barracks to march to the various mess halls, a van drove up. A petty officer got out and addressed the assembly. He asked for volunteers who could swim. Now, one of the axioms of military service is: “Never volunteer for anything.” However, I knew instantly that this request was addressing me, and I stepped forward. I was selected, along with five others, and we piled into the van with all our gear.
For the next nine weeks (our duty was extended for an extra two weeks), I had more fun than I’d had in my entire life. I was a lifeguard. I worked six hours every other day—no weekends—and the rest of the time I was free to do whatever I liked. I was able to increase my swimming skills to the point where I became a Water Safety Instructor for the Red Cross.
As I continued in my study of Christian Science, more growth was evident as my understanding of divine Science increased. I gained a greater appreciation for this fantastic revelation and how it has constant application to our daily lives. As a result of this study, those nine weeks were a highlight of my Navy career.
God, as my Father-Mother, would never allow me to be in a position that wouldn’t bless me.
Throughout the rest of my Navy tour, I faced other challenges demanding proof of God’s care that resulted in healings and other blessings that enriched my life. I am so grateful to Mrs. Eddy for this divine Science that she unveiled that brings us such growth and progress. Each lesson brings increased love and understanding.
And by the way, I did finish reading Science and Health from cover to cover, which contributed to many healings later on.
