Article May 30, 1931 Issue

"Make channels for the streams of love"

GRACE HOFFMAN WHITE

In these words from a hymn, "Make channels for the streams of love," our work in Christian Science is wonderfully pointed out to us; and no one is too young to begin making these channels. In doing this we find the right activity that will develop the good and the beautiful in our characters, and give to our daily lives a purpose which lies beyond the shade of mortal existence.

We do not have to go far afield to begin making these channels. In our home, in our school, wherever we may be, we shall find need for them and be delighted to see how they broaden and deepen as "the streams of love" flow through them. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, whose whole life was spent in making "channels for the streams of love," tells us that "what we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 4). Here we are shown how to make these channels: by "the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace," desire so strong that it will destroy the weeds of mortal mind as they appear, "clearing the gardens of thought" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 343), and making our hearts ready for the love of God, which shows itself in our daily conduct and makes us able to see ourselves and others as children of God.

Surely, patience will need to be expressed if we expect to see ourselves and others as God's children. This may take a great deal of right thinking, a great deal of watchfulness, that no choking weeds of mortal mind, such as envy, impatience, or conceit, shall hinder our work of making "channels for the streams of love." Here we may ask ourselves: How much of a channel for love have our thoughts become? Are we less selfish and more loving; less hasty in judging others? The answer to these questions will show how fervent is our desire, how far our lives express growth in grace, bringing out harmony, and to what extent our "familiar acts are beautiful through love." The everyday things, when brought into the currents of love, become beautiful.

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