Article June 30, 1917 Issue

Perfect Reflection

RUTH INGRAHAM

One day two little girls filled a garden with their cries of delight over a new game,—that of chasing a reflected sunbeam. The first appearance of the sunbeam set them to wondering, an excited rush to capture it followed, but not until they had played with it for some time did they note any connection between its quick going and coming and the manipulation of a small mirror in the hands of some one who was standing by. The glass was then given them, and great fun they had turning the bright reflection upon each other, illuming the roses which grew on the shady side of the porch, or flashing light into obscure corners where startled little creatures which love the dark suddenly scrambled for a safer hiding place. Occasionally the bright spot would disappear, greatly to the mystification of the small experimenters until they discovered the secret, namely, that the mirror must always be held in the sun.

There are few things sweeter than the innocent gaiety and happiness of little children, yet to the writer this scene typified something even sweeter and more enduring. It reminded her that we become conscious of light when it falls upon some object which reflects it. A ray of sunshine entering a darkened room is perceived only at the point where it strikes the opposite wall, unless dust motes or dancing insects cross its path. The sun's clear light flooded the garden where these two little ones played; they were surrounded by it, enveloped in it; unconsciously they depended upon it every moment. Yet until a medium for its more brilliant, concentrated, and perfect reflection was put into their hands its presence and possibilities were largely unrealized. On page 510 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "Light is a symbol of Mind, of Life, Truth, and Love, and not a vitalizing property of matter."

Light is therefore a symbol of that Love and intelligence which governs the universe, filling all space to the exclusion of whatever is unlike God. We are surrounded by this Love, live by it, are utterly dependent upon its illuminating power and guidance, yet while in a state of spiritual ignorance we do this without realization or appreciation. It might be said that we absorb instead of reflect it. When a thought is found pure enough to reflect this celestial light, whether in our own consciousness or that of another, we cognize it in a new way, marvel at it, rejoice in it, consciously utilize it.

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