Article December 12, 1903 Issue

A Mother's Tribute

MAY A. THIBAUDEAU.

For some years the desire has been with me to express my gratitude to our Leader for Christian Science; but with the desire came always the thought of limitation, "How can I find fitting words? I am not worthy to speak of one so noble." Thus time has passed and the sweet comfort has not been mine of having spoken a loving word in recognition of her priceless gift to me.

This morning while reading over "The Mother's Evening Prayer" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 389), I was reminded of what a source of strength these words have been to me in many an hour of trial. How often the first line, "Oh! gentle presence, peace and joy and power," has brought with it the sweet sense of God's protection, the consciousness that "His arm encircles me, and mine, and all." Thus the human mother-love, so fearful of harm to her little one, has sought and found refuge in divine Love.

The beautiful order of this first line, is like the unfolding of an exquisite flower, disclosing its golden heart: first peace, the consciousness of His presence dispelling the darkness and its seeming terrors; then joy as His allness is recognized and we know that we have nothing to fear; then power, as the demonstration is made by abiding in His love. The fear and manifestation of croup have often been overcome by clinging to the statement of truth in that line.