Article July 14, 1917 Issue

Perfect Reflection

ANNE MAY LILLY

In its setting of pine woods and daisy studded meadows the tiny lake gleamed blue as a sapphire. The green branches that dropped over its banks, even the grasses that fringed the water's edge, as well as the darting flight of the swallows, were all pictured upon its smooth surface, and no rough and turbulent waves marred the perfection of each picture. Moreover, the water was as pure and limpid as crystal, allowing one to see plainly all that lay on its sandy bottom; and it was this very lack of color in itself which gave to the lake its greatest charm,—the power to reflect the beautiful tint of the skies above.

To those familiar with the revelation of Christian Science that man and the universe eternally reflect God, Spirit, and are therefore spiritual and perfect, any attempt to draw a parable from the scene above referred to may seem superfluous. One point, however, stood out so forcibly to the writer that a brief elaboration thereof may not be amiss. It was this: that it was the stillness and purity of its waters which enabled the lake to present a well-nigh perfect reflection of the beauty above. Had the waters been angry, troubled, or discolored, the reflection would have been marred and its beauty and faithfulness destroyed. So with the human thought turbulent and stormy through the endeavor to gain place, power, and happiness for the false mortal self, and rendered impure by materiality, but few gleams of reality shine forth to bless a weary world. On page 91 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy refers to this condition and the remedy therefor as follows: "Absorbed in material selfhood we discern and reflect but faintly the substance of Life or Mind. The denial of material selfhood aids the discernment of man's spiritual and eternal individuality, and destroys the erroneous knowledge gained from matter or through what are termed the material senses." This truth held constantly in thought makes all things new.

What higher goal can be striven for than to attain that selfless purity of thought which knows not a single selfish or material longing, and makes no claim for recognition or honor for itself, but aspires only to show forth the infinite tenderness of our Father-Mother God, that all men may know Him and be at peace. As we think of these things a wave of gratitude must go forth to the brave and faithful Leader who pointed and led the way to this high service.

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