Article November 29, 1969 Issue

Spontaneous Right Thinking

[For young adults]

JOANNE CAPEN HAMLIN

When I was eleven years old, I was hit by an automobile. According to eyewitnesses I went ten feet into the air and landed on my head. Although it was entirely my fault, as I had dashed across the street without looking in either direction, the man driving the car was understandably distressed. He happened to be the principal of my school, and apparently he feared a serious, not to say fatal, result. However I was not hurt. I was able to pick myself up, assure him I was all right, and apologize for my stupidity. He was speechless with relief.

During those few seconds in flight I had declared clearly and with absolute conviction, "God is with me." I've always been grateful for my spontaneous, unquestioning reaching out to God, but at the time I did not fully appreciate the ramifications of this incident.

Many years later I returned for a reunion of my high school graduating class. The same principal was still at the school. In chatting with me he mentioned the car incident; and then, with a glint in his eye, added, "I always say that if you're going to hit someone with your car, pick a good Christian Scientist!"

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