Editorial May 7, 1966 Issue

Learning from Calamity

William Milford Correll

Out of adversity come great lessons to instruct the one who is willing to learn. If we would reap the blessing included in any trial, we must learn the full lesson included in it. Then we shall not have to repeat the experience or go through such a trial again. We can wrest from any calamity all that will serve us in future development.

No experience need be wasted. In the story of the prodigal son the years spent in the far country were not wasted as long as the son learned what he needed to learn. It may be that he had to learn his lesson in the way he did. To be sure, learning through instruction is far less wasteful of time and effort; but if one insists on having his bitter experience, he will have it. In one way or another we shall all come into harmony with God's law and government.

Working out one's salvation is a learning process. We do not need to change God's creation, for it is already perfect. We do not need to change God's man, who reflects the harmony and control of the divine Mind. But we do need to understand the nature of God and of man in His likeness and how we can demonstrate this divine nature and reap the rewards of trusting God's presence and care. How long does it take for us to assimilate this knowledge and to obey it willingly? That depends upon our receptivity.

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