Article May 17, 1919 Issue

Seeking for Work

DORA E. SKAFTE

The writer feels impelled to tell of the experiences of a student of Christian Science in solving the problem of employment, in the hope that it may help some one else. The need to go to work came suddenly, and being untrained in any one line, although having a wide general knowledge of different kinds of work, the student was comparatively unprepared in a material way. In addition there were old laws of physical weakness which had been denied but not entirely destroyed, so the suggestion kept trying to gain admittance that it would be difficult to find work which could be done without too much physical strain, and that it was likely to be poorly paid work on account of the applicant having had no training. Here it was found that five years of constant study and application of the truth brought abundant results; for the denial of this error was instant, as was also the affirmation of the truth that the student's place was ready now, with work that could be done well, and that Love never stinted any of its ideas, in either strength or supply. This gave her courage to do something before untried,—ask for work,—which meant the overcoming of a false sense of pride.

This was shortly after the armistice was signed. Everywhere the answer was the same: "If you had only come a few weeks ago! We were looking for just such people as you. Now business is almost at a standstill, and what jobs we have we are holding for the returning soldiers and sailors; in fact, we are contemplating the laying off of some of the force." Instantly came the silent answer: "God's kingdom does not fluctuate; it is stable always. And true activity does not depend on peace or war but on God's unchanging laws." The student was not looking for any work belonging to a soldier,—just for her own work which she could do and do well. The request for work was made insistently, from every conceivable kind of business, even where there seemed no likelihood of congenial employment, as the impulse was strong to do all that humanly could be done to open every channel,—that being her part. As day after day passed with not even a promise of future employment the temptation to become discouraged presented itself; but in the evenings, after seemingly fruitless days, strength and courage were always renewed through studying our wonderful Lesson-Sermons and the Sentinel.

As a result of this fruitful study, this beautiful thought came to the student: True work is mental, because God is Mind and Mind is ever active—constantly active. The only business or employment to be had, therefore, is to reflect Life, Truth, and Love. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 518) Mrs. Eddy tells us: "Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality—infinite Life, Truth, and Love." It makes no difference where we reflect these divine attributes, in the home, in the office, or even while on the street going from place to place making application for employment, as this student was doing. She realized that as this right thinking was true activity, then it was the business of God's children and the only business, and could not bring want and woe but must result in peace and plenty. The student was really earning a livelihood by reflecting Life, Truth, and Love, no matter what the material manifestation might be, even if it were just asking for work.

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