Article March 26, 1932 Issue

Passing the Time

ROBERT M. S. PUTNAM

A Student of Christian Science, musing over the many blessings which had come to him, was struck by the thought that he no longer had any idle or wasted moments. Formerly, it had frequently been the case that when a material task was completed and there was spare time on hand he would be driven to various expedients to "pass the time." How often we have heard that expression, and how unworthy and wasteful often have been the methods used to cover a period between one occupation and the next. We have said, "What can I do to pass the time?" And how many tricks, inventions, puzzles, and other similar means have been devised to answer the question! It is a common experience for people to take along with them on train or boat various things to keep them from being bored when left alone. And even when two or more people are together there is the temptation to "make conversation"; to discuss all sorts of subjects, whether worthy of discussion or not, so as to avoid silence or seeming dullness.

For all who love Christian Science, no such embarrassing moments exist. We are never alone, for God is always present. In Psalms we read, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Finding himself bereft of human companionship, and without device of novel or cross-word puzzle to keep him busy, is the student of Christian Science bored? No, he gives himself over to prayer and meditation; he gratefully reviews the many blessings he is ever receiving; he declares the truth respecting any seeming problem with which he may be confronted, and he devotes earnest thought to love and harmony. Indeed, he constantly endeavors "to live so as to keep human consciousness in constant relation with the divine, the spiritual, and the eternal" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 160); and he humbly essays to demonstrate that "scientific, positive sense of unity" with his divine source which Mrs. Eddy inculcates on page 4 of "Pulpit and Press."

It is surely a beautiful thought that we may always, on boat or car, in house or office, by day or in the quiet watches of the night, seek communion with God, give Him thanks for His loving care, ask His guidance, and listen for His voice with firm confidence that we shall hear it. No longer do we try to "kill time." Rather do we feel that the time is too short for all that we want to learn in seeking God and all that we want God to teach us. And we pass those minutes and hours, of old so often wasted, reaching out for His hand; and we rejoice and are grateful to our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who has shown us how to do this.

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