Article April 30, 1932 Issue

Tending the Light

BERNICE STEWART

A STUDENT of Christian Science recently visited a great beacon light which, after dark, serves to guide airplanes to the huge municipal airport. Glowing like a lighthouse, this huge light sends its beams out over the city from early evening until morning, and it must be tended. Frequently it is examined to see that all the mechanical parts are in perfect working order. This watchful care makes it possible for the light to shine night after night, as a guide to the many airplanes which come into the airport.

How like this beacon is our consciousness! If we keep our own consciousness bright and shining, clear from the disturbing errors which would try to darken our vision, what joy and happiness and service we are privileged to give to others! How constantly we must guard our thinking that we may reflect the pure divine Mind! Our thought must be lifted above the cloudiness and dust of mortal thinking, so that we may show forth the pure qualities of the one God. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, charges us to be faithful in watching, when she says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 154): "Watch diligently; never desert the post of spiritual observation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnegation, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love. Let your light reflect Light." That this watchfulness brings its reward, she also indicates (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 210): "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will towards men, health, and holiness."

Time is spent in polishing and cleaning the delicate mechanism which controls the beacon light, and in keeping all the parts oiled so that they function smoothly. Is not this what our Leader has admonished us to do with our consciousness? As the purpose of the beacon is to give out light, so it is our purpose to reflect God, good, effortlessly, tirelessly. We cannot suffer fatigue in this service, for, as Mrs. Eddy has told us (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, pp. 519, 520): "No exhaustion follows the action of this Mind, according to the apprehension of divine Science. The highest and sweetest rest, even from a human standpoint, is in holy work."

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