Article December 18, 1937 Issue

Constancy

NELLIE MADGEN

Dictionary meanings of "constancy" are "stability, steadfastness, fidelity." We all know that the love made manifest in human friendships and relationships is true only as it patterns the divine, as it shows forth constancy, purity, immutability, steadfastness, and unchangeableness—the very qualities of God, for God is Love.

Mother-love simulates the divine in that it reflects the fearlessness and selflessness characterized in true constancy. Mrs. Eddy writes on page 60 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "A mother's affection cannot be weaned from her child, because the mother-love includes purity and constancy, both of which are immortal. Therefore maternal affection lives on under whatever difficulties."

A mother once gained a beautiful thought through a homely little experience. She had formed a daily habit of being in readiness at an exact time for a certain meal. It was necessary to serve this meal promptly, because of the limited time between trains. So this mother was wont to wait at a side window for a first glimpse of her son. She could see plainly through the net which covered the window, but the outsider could not see in. One day, as her son appeared around the bend of the house, the mother noticed the lovely smile which lit up his face. No doubt the smile appeared more beautiful because of the sunlight illuminating his face. Thinking he had probably smiled upon some friend whom, because of the limited view, she had not seen, the mother asked, "To whom did you give the lovely smile?" The reply was: "Why, to no one, mother. Although I could not see you, I knew you could see me, and that you would be there waiting for me." The mother's heart filled with joy, not only because of the son's recognition of her constancy, but because of the beautiful lesson the simole incident portrayed. The memory of it never fails to bring a wonderful sense of God's a nearness and abundant ability to bless.

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God Governs
December 18, 1937
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