Article August 14, 1926 Issue

Growing

MYRTLE FAUSTINA STRINGFIELD

If one ever travels up a long stretch of gradually rising ground, it may seem to him as he takes step after step, that he is not much higher and that his ascent is along an almost level path; yet if he looks back, he can see clearly, and gauge more accurately, the upward steps he has been taking, until when the summit is reached he will see he has made much progress. Thus it may seem with many of us at times in our spiritual advancement. We feel we are going along in a humdrum fashion and not getting much farther on our journey out of material sense into spiritual reality. Yet, by taking a step at a time, overcoming perhaps an erroneous trend of thought, demonstrating the affluence of divine Mind in small affairs, turning to God for help in times of mental distress or of seemingly material need, we do rise higher, little by little; and in looking back, we can see how far we have really advanced, even if the so-called carnal mind would say we have done little or nothing.

Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 239), "If divine Love is becoming nearer, dearer, and more real to us, matter is then submitting to Spirit." And Christ Jesus said, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Then need we ever be discouraged? Discouragement never helps in any way. One student of Christian Science found it helpful, when this form of error assailed her, to take a pencil and pad and write down a list of the things she was thankful for; and the list grew and grew, and she hardly knew where to stop.

Mortal mind may say there is nothing to be grateful for; but how much there is to be thankful for, even if seemingly in bondage to the greatest deprivations! We may all be grateful for the brightness and the warmth of the sun, for the glorious stars of the night. And as Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 326), "All nature teaches God's love to man;" and the Psalmist declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Above all, we may be grateful that whatever material sense says, the truth of the situation is that all being is in reality harmonious, perfect, joyous, while abundant goodness and health are always ours as the children of God. As we cling to this truth, the time will come when we shall be conscious of its demonstration in our daily affairs.

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