When I was about eight years old, I was lying on my mom’s bed watching her iron. I asked myself, “Why should I be good?” Quickly the thought came, “Because it is right to be good!” I immediately accepted that idea.
Later, after becoming acquainted with Christian Science, I learned that idea was an “angel thought” from God—a spiritual intuition showing me my natural goodness.
God’s angels are always with us; they uplift us and guide us rightly, whether we are working to solve a math problem, compete well in sports, or interact harmoniously with others. Angels show us how to be kind, insightful, humble, confident, and more.
These spiritual intuitions helped me through a tough time in high school, when I just didn’t seem to be finding my true niche. One afternoon when I was studying Mary Baker Eddy’s writings, I came across this most comforting passage from her book The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany: “To do good to all because we love all, and to use in God’s service the one talent that we all have, is our only means of adding to that talent and the best way to silence a deep discontent with our shortcomings” (p. 195).
I knew I could use my talent “to do good to all” in God’s service. I prayed to know I would be led to express that goodness that would glorify God, help others, and bring me joy.
One morning in Sunday School I picked up a pamphlet entitled “Your Career as a Christian Science Nurse.” That was it! I enrolled in the Christian Science nurses training program in Boston. After completing the program, I enjoyed a richly satisfying career helping others and growing in humility and spiritual understanding.
We all have talents, gifts, from divine Love that express God’s goodness and make us an enlivening presence in the world. Mrs. Eddy states: “As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good. Thus may each member of this church rise above the oft-repeated inquiry, What am I? to the scientific response: I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing” (Miscellany, p. 165).
Helen Farmer
