A young viola student would doubtless be delighted to talk with a great violist about his career. A junior fashion designer would be thrilled to consult with a famous couturier; likewise, a budding dramatist with an illustrious playwright. Young people everywhere are thinking deeply about direction and purpose. Shall they look mainly to persons, to computers, to personality evaluation and aptitude tests?

While some of these avenues can be helpful adjuncts, the real measure of meaningful guidance comes from turning to divine Mind, the greatest of all advisers. Mrs. Eddy tells us that "He [God] has mercy upon us, and guides every event of our careers." ^{Unity of Good, p. 3;} With complete assurance every individual can turn to God for the what, how, when, and where of his lifework.

God guides us into the right use of the resources, or qualities, He lavishes upon us. What are these qualities? What is needed for success in a chosen field? Mrs. Eddy gives us superb counseling in Christian Science. She writes: "The term Science, properly understood, refers only to the laws of God and to His government of the universe, inclusive of man. From this it follows that business men and cultured scholars have found that Christian Science enhances their endurance and mental powers, enlarges their perception of character, gives them acuteness and comprehensiveness and an ability to exceed their ordinary capacity." ^{Science and Health, p. 128;} Here are the ingredients of success.

Can we acquire such qualities from a vocational counseling office? Certainly in working out our human footsteps it is wise to seek out good schools, teachers, coaches, advisers. Specific training, studying, practicing, and devotion of thought and energy are necessary for mastery in any endeavor. But it is well to realize humbly that the ability to succeed comes from the divine source. God is infinite, all-knowing Mind. Man is Mind's manifestation, its active, able expression. Our wisdom to choose and utilize the facilities at hand, the fortitude needed for long hours of consecrated work, and the spark of genius are endowments from God, Soul.

Times of examinations, contests, or competitive applications for employment need present no difficulty for the Christian Scientist. Each one can consciously practice his God-derived industry, alertness, efficiency, order, honesty, creativeness. Anyone who goes into a schoolroom, a studio, or a business office recognizing that he is equipped with such qualities will win high rewards. The world cries out for men and women who express superior talents, and it stands more than ready with compensation—good marks, promotions, worthy posts.

Under the guidance of God, the mighty counselor, the worker finds that a new dimension has come into his endeavors, a divine impetus or grace, bringing accomplishments far beyond his ordinary capacity. In some measure he reveals in his own life the coincidence of the human need with the divine supply.

Consider the young violist mentioned earlier. What can he learn by turning to God and becoming aware that beauty, art, and competence spring from Him? Proficiency and joy not experienced before. A higher sense of music will appear on the human scene when mankind discerns the harmony of Spirit and listens to and appropriates the divine tones.

In the same way, beauty and utility will be shown in the apparel of men, women, and children as designers turn to God for original ideas. The young person who understands his sonship with perfect Mind has access to an unending fountainhead of ideas.

Again, a young writer or dramatist can reach out to the author of all things for new concepts. The world has a hunger for inspiration in sculpture, music, literature, the dance, painting. The Scientist as artist should have a purifying effect, beautifying the environment of mankind.

No matter what our career is or will be, we can commune with God for ideas. Christ Jesus was ever in touch with the Father. He told us, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." ^{John 5:19;}

Mrs. Eddy felt the hand of her Maker in her work. She says, "I was a scribe under orders." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 311.} Even the most acclaimed builder can profitably consult with the architect of earth and heaven, a teacher with the interpreter of universal knowledge, a renowned lawyer with the Judge of the whole earth. An individual appointed to settle a labor dispute can take counsel with the divine Arbiter. The dialogue or communication between parent and child can be widened to include the impartations of angel messages from the Father-Mother God. A Christian Science practitioner becomes conversant with the ways and means of the loving healer of all ills.

Whatever our line of activity, we can have direct contact with the wisest of all advisers, the Supreme Being. Let us make an appointment with Him and keep it!