Dispersing the Clouds

FREDA THOMPSON

Why not let the winds of God blow away our mental storms as the wind clears the sky? Do we dare say that the power to do this is not with God, or that mental storms are more difficult to disperse than the clouded atmosphere behind which the sun always shines with glorious splendor?

The writer has more than once witnessed the readiness of the clouds to disappear in response to a brisk wind which prevailed but for a few moments before the sky cleared, and even when the clouds not only had seemed very heavy, but had been shutting out the sun for days. Was the sun less bright when it finally appeared? Quite to the contrary, it seemed brighter than ever; for mortals were glad to see it. They were very willing to receive the light, and to be released from the gloomy thoughts induced by the dullness. Similarly, with each mental storm dispersed, comes the gladness of seeing more truly the brilliance of man's spiritual existence; and with the new vision we are able to lift not only ourselves, but others also.

But are we as discontented with the evil thoughts, which we know can bring only gloom, as we are with the clouded skies? The first move in getting rid of them is ours; God's work inevitably follows. Our revered Leader says in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 571), "Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil." This evil is not necessarily a problem which we are endeavoring to work out: it covers all the daily thoughts which knock at our mental door for admission. If our earnest desire is for the light, can we then admit the gloom?

In gratitude does the writer recall a mental valley recently left behind. While in it she was seeking for new light; and the winds of God blew into her consciousness through the Christian Science Sentinel. It helped her to be glad for the correcting rod that indicates the way to more practical and sane thinking, and resulted in the ability to adjust her life so that she might live in greater consideration of others and in the consequent joy of such experiences. Trials are opportunities to prove God's presence, as surely as joy is the fruit of our advancement in love. If we look on them with rebellion as burdens, we cannot hope to receive the blessing they bring through enabling us to lay off some material belief which would result only in discord.

Are we seeking harmony and peace on earth when we persist in clutching to our hearts the very thoughts which tend to inharmony? Are we willing to loose ourselves, and substitute for material thoughts the sustaining thoughts of God, good? We should be recognizing only the good thoughts, immediately correcting the wrong, and thus fitting ourselves to receive the new vision when the clouds are cleared away, so as to give God the glory. Thus are we walking uprightly; and "no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly," is the promise of the Scriptures. Thus also are we following the admonition of one of our beloved hymns:—

"Whatever dims thy sense of truth,
Or stains thy purity,
Though light as breath of summer air,
Count it as sin to thee."

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