"The rhythm of Spirit"

MARIAN PITCHER TOMB

Rhythm is associated with grace, balance, and naturalness. Who does not long to possess these qualities in larger measure? To possess them means to experience greater freedom and joy in daily living. Rhythm "applies to measured and balanced movement, wherever found."

The attainment of a true sense of rhythm is a spiritually mental process. It is a natural expression of unity with God, the divine Principle of all real being. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has said (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 510), "To discern the rhythm of Spirit and to be holy, thought must be purely spiritual."

As purified and uplifted human consciousness rises above the dream of mortal existence to behold the true universe of God's creating, wholly spiritual, perfect, and good, it discerns the rhythm of Spirit, the harmonious movement of God's ideas in unity with their creator. In the inseverable unity which exists between the Father and His beloved children, and the perfect concord in which Love's ideas dwell with one another, all are moving in rhythmic oneness with their divine source, expressing the almightiness of good and the infinite wisdom of all-governing divine Love. Discerning these truths, we must be willing to yield to the infallible guidance of infinite wisdom and to follow obediently Love's directing. As we do so, we shall find that His ways are higher than our ways, and that into our experience flow blessings far richer and more beautiful than any we can conceive of in our most cherished human hopes and plans.

In proportion to our willingness to yield to Love's purpose we realize the rhythm of Spirit and see it manifested in daily experience. As we recognize that we dwell under God's perfect law of harmony, fear of evil leaves us, and the rhythm of Spirit is manifested in our human affairs. We remain undisturbed in the face of error, knowing that evil is impotent, for good alone is real; we know that, as our Leader tells us on page 61 of "Retrospection and Introspection," "Man's harmony is no more to be invaded than the rhythm of the universe." Realizing these truths and abiding in peace and harmony, we see error in our experience overcome; and we go happily on our way, rejoicing in the consciousness of our unity with all-powerful, ever-present divine Love.

Dwelling in conscious unity with the divine source of all beauty and loveliness, we express more harmony in our righteous activities. Knowing that we move in harmony with the rhythm of the universe, we find ourselves enabled, as Paul expresses it, to do all things "decently and in order."

When John the Baptist first beheld Jesus approaching, he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Jesus knew his oneness with the Father, and truly moved in the rhythm of infinite Spirit. When called upon to heal his friend Lazarus, who was sick, Jesus did not set out for two days. He knew that no mortal belief of time, sin, disease, or death could in any way interfere with God's government of the universe, inclusive of man. Knowing this, he was able to restore Lazarus to life, even though when he arrived at his destination Lazarus' body had lain in the grave four days.

Understanding "the rhythm of Spirit," we can accomplish more than we were able to do before, and with greater ease and freedom. We do not think of ourselves as separated from God. We begin to put off the false sense of personality for our divine individuality, the counterfeit of man for our true self, the perfect reflection of the Father. We know that we can never be separated from our creator, but must move in unity with Him throughout eternity, reflecting His perfection. Our tasks are then undertaken with joy, for we do all to the glory of God, rejoicing in every proof of His tender love and constant care of His children. Our lives become songs of praise and gratitude for His beneficence and ever-availability; our desire is that we may become more Christlike; our prayer is that we may serve Him better. We find peace in the understanding that, as our Leader has expressed it (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 259), "In this eternal harmony of Science, man is not fallen: he is governed in the same rhythm that the Scripture describes, when 'the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.'"

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