With gratitude to God for His...

Alton N. Sweet

With gratitude to God for His loving-kindness, I should like to share the following experiences with those who are seeking their rightful place or who would find harmony in their present activity.

Several years ago I was employed by a large oil company. I had held several good positions with the organization and was selected as a trainee. This meant that I was to learn the work of each individual in the office. My first assignment was in a very large department, in which the employees generally were without hope of advancement. Consequently they felt frustrated and showed this in their conversation and in their attitude toward their work. I was soon troubled by a recurring illness, which was quite severe and which did not yield to Christian Science treatment. A practitioner pointed out that I should express more love. I began to look for good in my fellow employees, of which I found much, and to express appreciation for the opportunities which were mine. The physical problem faded away completely. This took place in the spring of 1937, and there has been no recurrence.

A few months later I felt impelled to resign from the company's employ. It seemed that I could be of greater service to my fellow men in some other activity, but there was no indication as to what it might be. To be sure that I was doing the right thing, I requested a Christian Science treatment from my teacher. The next day, while ushering at a Christian Science lecture, the divine assurance came that I should take this step. My resignation caused considerable comment, and I knew that I must protect this action from curiosity and human outlining. That evening I prayed for protection and for wisdom in answering my friends' inquiries.

The next morning a fellow employee anxiously said, "I suppose you have something in mind." His remark hinted to me the spiritual truth I was seeking, and I replied, "Yes, I have something in Mind." By this I meant that since man is an idea of the divine Mind, his activity and progress ever remain in Mind and are governed thereby. I found that my statement satisfied the questions of my friends, and it was also a protection for my action.

My wife and I then took an extended vacation, driving to New England, where we enjoyed visiting The Mother Church in Boston. Whenever we thought of my future activity, we affirmed that Mind had directed this step and would unfold the next one at the right time. There was absolutely no worry on our part. Very soon after we came back to Long Beach the way opened whereby I could devote my entire time to serving the Cause of Christian Science. This is a blessed opportunity, for which I am most grateful.

Truly, it is good to be a Christian Scientist, to endeavor humbly to follow the example and teachings of Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, thereby demonstrating in our lives the "greater works" (John 14:12) which he expected his followers to do. We are also ever mindful of the consecrated life of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, whose writings counsel and guide our footsteps Spiritward. I am very grateful for daily proofs that our Father-Mother God has prepared all good for His children. We have only to accept His loving-kindness.—Alton N. Sweet, Long Beach, California.

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