Article February 24, 1934 Issue

Right Use of Our Time

JEAN L. HOLCOMBE

On many men and women the hurry and fret of what the world calls "modern living" press strongly. Whether one be a business man, a teacher, homemaker, or other worker, his daily activities make almost endless demands on him, and many of these demands are right and necessary. Frequently the earnest Christian Scientist, confronted with some such situation, finds himself at a loss to know how to choose the "one thing ... needful" or, having chosen it, to know how to adjust the myriad other demands made upon his time and attention.

Yet, eventually and essentially the whole question narrows itself down to the single one which, from our earliest steps in the study of Christian Science, we have seen to be the vital one, namely, the necessity for proving our oneness with God. Many times we may have said to ourselves, "God's work is done," and have tried to realize the truth of this assertion. We may still believe, however, that by our work we must add something to this perfect creation.

A high school teacher was one year coaching pupils for a play. Affairs did not go at all well, and about two weeks before the date of the performance conditions looked especially discouraging. More time for training, however, was not available, and in dismay she asked herself what was to be done. Then quietly but swiftly came the assurance that understanding, not time, was the need. She had learned in Christian Science that God's ideas are perfect, expressing the intelligence, wisdom, beauty, and grace of the Mind that is Love. She must strive for a clearer realization of the present perfection of God and His universe, Mind and its idea. Extra rehearsals which had been called were canceled, for the teacher now comprehended the real necessity. She must assimilate this great truth that had come to her thought. A few days' vacation intervened, which she spent in the study of Christian Science and in gaining a clearer understanding of real activity. When rehearsals were resumed, although there was still apparent difficulty, she was no longer worried. She was willing now to trust God, and to know that, even as Moses did not see the path through the Red Sea until he went forward, so she could rest assured that the illumination of Mind and the realization of harmony would be hers when she needed them. This was proved, for on the appointed night the play was given, and the production moved smoothly and harmoniously.

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