That an understanding of the...

Joan Franklin Smutny

That an understanding of the true relationship of God and man blesses and gives freedom from fear has been evidenced in my experience. My college life presented an opportunity to use what I had learned in the Christian Science Sunday School. Looking to Mind in preparing assignments, I experienced much freedom in schoolwork with resulting excellence. Although commuting to the university, I participated in many activities and received membership in several honorary groups during the senior year.

"Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 454), was a helpful statement. Writing term papers proved to be a joyous experience of listening to Mind's direction and Love's inspiration. The belief of time as a factor in determining excellence of work was dispelled. I saw that sleep does not give energy to man, and I was led to study and review the proper passages in preparing for examinations. In undergraduate and graduate study, fear about schoolwork was replaced with an understanding of man, who is ever at one with the source of all right ideas, God.

While at college I participated in the activities of the Christian Science Organization, a most joyous experience. Afternoon testimony meetings and lectures were always looked forward to. Like many college students, I was grateful for Mrs. Eddy's loving provision in the Manual of The Mother Church which establishes these organizations.

Upon graduating from college and seeking a teaching position in high school, I was told there were no openings available in the area near my home. After prayerful work, I obtained a position teaching in the sixth grade, and a year of much growth unfolded. There were many challenges, all of which were beautifully met through my using Christian Science. Toward the end of that year, the superintendent asked me to stay, promising a large salary increase; but I felt I wanted to teach in my field of preparation.

Going to the college placement bureau, I was again reminded of the lack of openings in high school. Here, I realized, was a specific opportunity to understand better man's true place. I felt ready to take this forward step, and I knew that it is only natural for God's law to operate for good in man's experience. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 74), "In Christian Science there is never a retrograde step, never a return to positions outgrown." I saw that limitation by its very nature nullifies itself and that man as the idea of Mind never stops achieving and progressing.

During spring vacation I was led to interview the superintendent of a fine high school where I had done my student teaching. As we sat down he said: "You know, I intended to write you last week about coming to teach here next September. Happy you came up." A few weeks later I signed the contract. My experience there has meant much progress and continues to express God's direction to man.

Having been raised in Christian Science, I can attest to its healing and protecting powers. For all the activities of the Christian Science movement, for class instruction, and for the grand privilege of teaching in the Sunday School, I am most grateful.—(Mrs.) Joan Franklin Smutny, Evanston, Illinois.

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Signs of the Times

December 15, 1956

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