THE IDEAL HOME

IRENE I. DUCKWITZ

An improved concept of home may be gained through the study of Christian Science, which reveals the scientific concept of home as including an understanding of divine Love.

Home, humanly conceived, expresses shelter, comfort, joy, contentment, rest, and companionship; it is a place where one is understood, loved, and encouraged. It brings a sense of security, protection, and tender care. The only sure foundation for a home is the love of righteousness and obedience to the law of God, which operates through such qualities as honesty, goodness, loving-kindness, and unselfishness. Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 58), "Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections."

As we gain a better understanding of God and of man as His reflection, as we daily express spiritual qualities, and as we are grateful for our present dwelling, however humble it may be, our human sense of home improves and becomes manifested outwardly in ways and means which exceed mere human planning.

A number of years ago it was necessary for the writer and her family, who had been living in a lovely home in the suburbs of a large city among relatives and friends, to move some distance away, where she knew no one, to a small, rather unattractive apartment. She was tempted to be very unhappy. Then the thought came (John 1:38), "Where dwellest thou?" and she began to acknowledge and adopt the spiritual concept of home, which is man's individual consciousness of Love—that consciousness which reflects harmony and peace.

She realized that the real home, the only home that God knows, is not dependent on persons or things; that it is neither large nor small, nor is it confined to any one locality. She changed her concept of home as a material structure to a state of consciousness which we can never lose unless we relinquish it or lose sight of those things for which it stands. It was realized that though the material dwelling had changed, the spiritual concept of home was untouched. This constant maintaining of the true sense of home was outwardly manifested in a more beautiful material home with harmonious surroundings and, of more importance, greater opportunities to serve the Cause of Christian Science and help her fellow men.

A home affords the privilege of working our problems in human relationships. At the end of the last war, when two brothers returned from the service, it seemed necessary for them and their families to live with their parents for a considerable length of time. This proved to be a happy experience for all concerned. Every negative material belief regarding families living together harmoniously was defied, and each member learned to give up his own personal preferences for the common good of all. Each one had his right place in the home and his share in its activities. There was no self-willed domination, but freedom for each one to grow in his God-directed way.

In Science one demonstrates a truer consciousness of God and man. Since God is all-knowing, all-wise, and all-loving, His plan must include the consciousness of home for His children. Perceiving these facts, earnestly undertaking to spiritualize their sense of home, and eliminating willful outlining or planning, these young people turned trustingly to God and prayed with expectancy for guidance. Each step was revealed, and ideal homes were provided for each family. They proved in some measure the words of the Master (John 14:2): "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

If home is considered from the standpoint of matter, how fleeting all that constitutes this sense of home may be! The real home is entirely spiritual, and we gain an understanding of it as we grow spiritually, learning more of the indivisible Father-Mother, Love, whom the real man, the son of God, reflects, and in whom he lives.

Wherever we are, wherever we go, we may have a sense of home as beautiful, if we realize that because man can never be separated from God he can never be separated from home. Real home cannot be lost, for man's relationship to God is God-sustained. Home is as ever present as God Himself. It cannot be unattractive, because it expresses the radiance of Love and is filled with the ideas of Truth. It cannot lack tenderness, joy, or any other good, for divine Love is always imparting its own tender, joyous qualities.

We can always lift our thoughts to accept the home God provides, our true dwelling place, which is in Spirit. A verse of the twenty-third Psalm, as spiritually interpreted by our Leader (Science and Health, p. 578), reads, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever."

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