Dear Reader,
This note came to us: “It doesn’t seem like we could really ever do everything [including reading the Christian Science magazines] we ought to.” Sound familiar? With a daily list of things to do, do we find it hard to squeeze in some spiritual nourishment?
All the things we think we need to accomplish sometimes turn spiritually promising activities—such as reading a Christian Science magazine—into a burden. Asking ourselves, “Why do I love the Christian Science magazines?” upends that overwhelmed feeling. What we love about them will guide how much we read. A little or a lot, we’ll be doing it out of love.
The good in these pages is what attracts us. What could be better than regular people telling what the power of Christ, Truth, has done for them? Or hearing the good news that Jesus taught: “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21)? Or finding a spiritual truth to support you in teaching children?
The founder of the Christian Science magazines knew the power of the ideas shared here. Mary Baker Eddy also loved our magazines’ readers, wherever they were in the world. In an early Christian Science Journal she praised an editorial this way: “May the Christlikeness it reflects rest on the dear readers, and throw the light of penetration on the page; even as the dawn, kindling its glories in the east, lightens earth’s landscape” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 313).
Sometimes I’ve found real gems in articles that didn’t grab my attention at first. For example, an article by a business owner—which I’m not—might speak directly to my need to turn to God, Mind, when I make personal decisions. And then that same message of Mind as the source of wisdom could help a friend pray about a political logjam. One spiritual truth can be applied in our lives in lots of ways. We won’t miss the inspiration in the magazine if we are looking for spiritual ideas to nurture our prayer for ourselves and the world.
Whatever amount we read, we’ll discover wonderful ideas to use and share—without any guilt about how much or little we’ve covered. That’s a promise!
Susan Stark
Managing Editor
