The loveliness of the world about us may be enjoyed to the full by all who will pause long enough to observe it. When times of stress would engulf us, we can find much inspiration and strength in the glimpses of beauty and harmony sometimes found in familiar places and previously viewed with little appreciation.

Recently we passed a lake—an artificial lake made in an artificial park. Anyone unfamiliar with that particular bit of the city would accept both park and lake as a natural oasis. It was at sunset; the air was so still that not a ripple could be seen on the water. Clumps of trees grew close to the banks and were reflected perfectly in the lake, giving their autumn richness to us in added measure. Here and there gold and pale green leaves rested undisturbed on the surface of the water, like tiny ships set for a long journey, waiting for an accommodating wind to blow in their direction. All the glory of the autumn, in earth, tree, and sky, was there for our appreciation, and given again, completely, in the depths of the quiet lake.

As we rested there in the stillness all sense of the world conflict disappeared, and our thought was lifted to the beauty of reflection, as taught in Christian Science.

The fact that man is the reflection of God is based on the record of true creation as given in the first chapter of Genesis, wherein it is written, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him." This statement has been proved time and again, as Biblical history shows in its record of healings and achievements. It was the basis of Jesus' teachings and works. It is elucidated through the study of Christian Science, so that all may understand it and profit thereby. In her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 187) Mary Baker Eddy writes: "The origin, substance, and life of man are one and that one is God,—Life. Truth, Love. The self-existent, perfect, and eternal are God; and man is their reflection and glory."

God is All, and everywhere present. His presence, His glory, fill the skies, the earth, and the sea. It is impossible for man to be anywhere in any situation, under any condition, where he is separated from his loving Father-Mother God. Man is God's reflection. Wherever he is he has infinite Mind. Life. Truth, and Love with him—to draw upon, to reflect, to express. He is impelled to reflect all-intelligent, all-wise, omnipotent Mind; inexhaustible, indestructible Life; unerring Truth; unfaltering, sustaining, all-embracing Love. The only Mind, Life, Truth, Love he can know is his Father-Mother, of whom he is uninterruptedly the perfect reflection.

Where are the distresses, the forces of evil, that seem so rampant so close, so trying, so devastating? Certainly they are no part of God's creation. His reflection, because they are no part of God. There is nothing Godlike about them. Therefore they are devoid of Life, Mind, Principle; they have no place in the realm of reality.

A fog might descend upon the lake and park we were enjoying and completely obliterate our view, but the lake and park would remain untouched. When the fog was dispersed, our view once more would be unobstructed.

As each one clears his own consciousness of false beliefs about God and man, and holds fast to his understanding of God as infinite good and of man as His perfect reflection, peace and harmony, health and perfection, will be experienced and recognized increasingly throughout the world. Under the marginal heading, "The divine reflection," Mrs. Eddy states on pages 300 and 301 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"; "The universe reflects and expresses the divine substance or Mind; therefore God is seen only in the spiritual universe and spiritual man, as the sun is seen in the ray of light which goes out from it. God is revealed only in that which reflects Life, Truth, Love, —yea, which manifests God's attributes and power, even as the human likeness thrown upon the mirror, repeats the color, form, and action of the person in front of the mirror."

Someone had given much thought and many hours to the planning and construction of that lake and its surrounding beauty, in order that all who passed by might be happier for having seen it. How splendid it would be if we would give more thought to our daily thinking and living, in order that all who pass by might be happier for having known us or even seen us! To equip ourselves each day with thoughts of gratitude, gentleness, kindness, thought-fulness, patience, tolerance, and courage will enable us to radiate joy and strength, a serenity, no matter what our lot may be that will reach all who come in contact with us. If we keep our thinking undisturbed, as the waters of that little lake, these Godlike qualities that are ours to express will be fully and perfectly reflected wherever we go, and we shall find ourselves manifesting an abundant, lovely life that enriches the whole world.