About two years ago, several...

W. William Carson, Jr.

About two years ago, several factors arose in my business that pointed to the need for a new look at what the future held in store. The possibility of a change in employment was considered. I gave a great deal of thought to testimonies related by Christian Scientists about their handling of similar situations. From them I learned the importance of praying, "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).

It became my firm conviction that by applying the Christ, Truth, to this unfoldment, I too would be led to do the right thing at the right time, all under God's direction and in accord with His infinite plan. Then when the moment came for a decision, I would know that the time had come and how to decide so clearly that nothing could be clearer.

Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 104), "In obedience to the divine nature, man's individuality reflects the divine law and order of being." I knew that if I acknowledged God's law of perfect reflection, all my questions on what to do would he answered. I felt very strongly that my responsibility was to know that God's being is also the being of man, His reflection; that God directs His divine creation, including man; and that these truths are true constantly. In the book of Psalms we read (31:1, 3): "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust. ...For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."

As the months went by, various offers were investigated. There were moments of discouragement. I remember once looking into a position far afield of my training and feeling discouraged at the lack of a reply.

After further study it became very clear that I should be thinking what I could give and not what I could get. Giving, not getting, is the activity of God, divine Love. For instance, God "gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16) to show us the Way. There never were any doubts in Christ Jesus' thinking. He knew the Way, the perfect Way of God, the great Giver of all good. It was this thought that helped me each time a doubt appeared.

Then one morning I went to work feeling very confident about all that God had created. During the day I called on a local executive who had offered me a position about six months before which I had refused. It just did not seem right at the time. While I was talking to him, he offered me the same job, saying he did not know why he was doing it.

This time everything fell right into place. I knew I could be of help to this organization and use all my past experience to the limit. The more I thought about it, the more it was revealed that this was the right answer. God's infinite plan was unfolding, and it was beautiful. I accepted with joy, and all that has occurred since has proved it was a God-directed decision.

One thought stands out in this demonstration. It is that when the moment comes for action, we know which is the right way because we are practically shoved into the right spot at the right time.

I am very grateful, not for the final outcome only, but for the understanding that has come to me of the importance of remaining steadfast to what one knows is true of man as God's perfect child regardless of any outward appearance to the contrary. I also learned to wait patiently for God's plan to be revealed and during this waiting to know actively that God does direct all our ways. When one does this, nothing can prevent God's goodness from being expressed.

I should like to give gratitude for Mrs. Eddy and for the great love to all mankind which she evidenced in sharing with the world the divine revelation of our practical religion. Christian Science.—W. William Carson, Jr., Reading, Pennsylvania.

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