I have been greatly privileged by...

Kenneth Hufford

I have been greatly privileged by being brought up in Christian Science. At an early age I entered the Christian Science Sunday School and continued there until I was twenty. Other blessings have been membership in The Mother Church, class instruction after my first year of college, and membership in a Christian Science Organization at college. These foundational steps, together with daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, reading of the periodicals, and attendance at Christian Science Sunday services, at Wednesday testimony meetings, and at lectures, have brought me much good. They have proved the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words on pages 253 and 254 of Science and Health: "The divine demand, 'Be ye therefore perfect,' is scientific, and the human footsteps leading to perfection are indispensable."

Each one of these steps has helped me immeasurably in my journey from sense to Soul, and I wish to express my gratitude for every activity which our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has so lovingly provided for us.

During the last year of my college experience I had a beautiful instance of God's law in operation. One of my professors, though genuinely interested in his subject, seemed to me very vague and incomprehensible. Consequently, I had difficulty in understanding his teaching. I had been trying to handle the situation in Christian Science, but one day it appeared to me that he was particularly unjust in condemning a paper of mine. A sense of injustice and aggravation took hold of me, thus closing my thought to anything I might have learned.

At the end of the period one of my classmates who was a Christian Scientist asked me what was wrong. I explained that there appeared to be an insurmountable barrier between the instructor and me. She then pointed out that I had built the barrier. This awakened me to my individual responsibility in guarding my thoughts and left no justification for the feeling of injustice or aggravation.

Later, in my room, I was led to study Mrs. Eddy's article "Taking Offense," in "Miscellaneous Writings." On page 224 she says, "Nothing short of our own errors should offend us." This rebuke completely quieted mortal mind, and the mental barrier dissolved. The remaining days in the class were harmonious, marked by understanding of and friendship with the professor. Further manifestation of God's law in operation was my obtaining an honor grade at the end of the school year.

One week end during the course of my study I had hoped to drive home, but obligations at school prevented me from doing this. Going home had always brought great spiritual inspiration; so when this became impossible I felt somewhat sorry for myself. However, by knowing that I was in reality always in my right place and by gaining greater humility I proved that there was no room for self-pity.

Many times during my college experience Christian Science met my need and guided me in relationships with others. I am particularly grateful for the privilege I had of conducting a lecture preparatory meeting for the Christian Science Organization at the college.—Kenneth Hufford, Olathe, Kansas.

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