Article January 15, 1955 Issue

EVER-PRESENT OPPORTUNITY

ELSIE STAHL ODERWALD

There are many theories regarding opportunity, some of which are conflicting: that it comes and goes, that it does not present itself to all, that it can be lost, and that it is sometimes an avenue of good and sometimes of evil. Acceptance of or submission to such beliefs leads to sorrow, suffering, and lack.

In the first chapter of Genesis we learn that God created the universe and that this creation is completely good. We learn, too, that man is the image and likeness of God, omnipresent good. Thus it follows that man continuously manifests intelligence, wisdom, beauty, perfection, joy, abundance, and dominion. All the qualities of God are expressed in His universe and have never been adulterated, lost, or destroyed. Therefore, in reality, there is and can be no lost opportunity, no lack of opportunity, and no opportunity for evil. The opportunity to do and receive good is ever present, is coexistent with God, the only creator.

In the proportion that we identify ourselves and act as the children of God we find not only the opportunity for good at hand, but the strength and ability to utilize it. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy says (p. 261), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." Opportunities must be utilized or improved. It will then become evident that in reality we have never been subject to loss or postponement of good, for man is ever at the point of perfection, in the midst of all good.

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