In 1961 the branch Church of Christ, Scientist, where I was a member at the time, alerted me to an international meeting for students that would be held at The Mother Church in Boston. I signed up for it, and my fellow church members were very supportive in terms of preparing for this important trip. It also was going to be my first flight, and I was very much looking forward to it.
However, upon arriving at Frankfurt Airport on the day of departure, I was told that the flight, which had been offered at a reduced rate for students, had been cancelled on short notice.
What to do? I didn’t want to return home. One of the concepts I had learned in the Christian Science Sunday School, which I had attended since I was 13 years old, was that with God there are no backward steps, only progress. Since He is divine Love and intelligence, infinitely caring and wise, nothing can thwart the purpose He has for us, His children.
Meanwhile I had made the acquaintance of another young student who also had planned to attend the meeting in Boston. She was ready to buy a one-way ticket at the regular price, without worrying about the return. (Without the student discount we could afford only a one-way ticket.) Although airline regulations were quite different back then, and purchasing a one-way ticket would have been a viable option, her plan didn’t appeal to me. While she was ready to go, I was hesitating, not knowing what to do. This period of indecision went on for three days. (During this time we were graciously hosted by a fellow Christian Science family in Frankfurt.)
Since God is divine Love and intelligence, infinitely caring and wise, nothing can thwart the purpose He has for us, His children.
Finally, I decided to call a Christian Science practitioner and teacher for prayerful support. After talking with her, I felt impelled to open my Bible and listen for God’s guidance. My eyes fell on a verse from the book of Job: “For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me” (23:14). I felt a great sense of peace, and suddenly it became clear to me that God’s intelligent plan for me was in action, and that He would unfold and perfect it, even though I didn’t know all of the details. It wasn’t my job to figure out the solution; that was up to the divine, omniscient Mind whose guidance I simply had to trust.
In an instant all my doubts and concerns vanished, and I was filled with trust and confidence. I told my new friend, “Carla, let’s go!” She was delighted to hear that, and we quickly found a one-way flight to Boston. I no longer felt fearful about how I would return; instead I knew in my heart of hearts that I could fully place my trust in God. From past experiences I knew that God always cares for us even when humanly there doesn’t seem to be a solution.
In Boston we were welcomed with open arms by members of the committee in charge of the meeting. They commended us for not giving in to discouragement in the face of all the challenges and difficulties, and for demonstrating our dominion over them. The meeting turned out to be a very enriching experience for me. During our stay in Boston we were lovingly cared for, and our return ticket was provided for in an unforeseeable and wonderful way.
With the Psalmist I can say: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalms 23:1–3).
This experience showed me that God truly is our Shepherd who lovingly guides us all the way. We just need to trust Him.
