Article March 3, 1928 Issue

Footsteps

MABEL H. TERRELL

"The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps in endeavoring to reach it." These words of Mary Baker Eddy, to be found on page 426 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," came to the writer forcibly in an experience following a recent snowstorm.

It was necessary for her to be at her home as quickly as possible; and though the prospect confronting her did not look inviting, she felt it her duty to strike out afoot across a small lake, thus taking a short cut directly to her home. Venturing upon the unbroken expanse of snow, she found that with each footstep she sank quite deep, and she seemed to flounder and waver as she placed each as carefully as possible. Finally she stopped and looked back, somewhat discouraged, and saw that the footprints were wavering and uncertain in direction, instead of tracing a straight line across the snow from the shore. On lifting her eyes, she took note of her home and started once more, watching each footstep no longer, but, instead, keeping her eyes fixed upon her goal. It was then that the words of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, quoted above, came with clearer meaning, and she pondered them with growing vision as she walked.

After making steady progress for a considerable distance she again looked back, to find that the line of footprints was now straight and true; and not only was this improvement marked, but she also noticed that her footsteps were not nearly so deep when she proceeded in the more direct way. The further discovery was also made that all sense of weariness and struggle had left her, and she thought of the words on the page of the textbook already quoted from, "The struggle for Truth makes one strong instead of weak, resting instead of wearying one." The remainder of the journey across the lake was made with ease and joy, and with a heart filled with gratitude to God for the priceless blessing of Christian Science, which is always at hand to strengthen and guide.

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