Christian Science has blessed me and mine for many years. It is the way of Life, and a good one.

I pondered the problem of retiring from the industrial field for some time. Some men having retired before me expressed fear of the future. I once heard a Christian Scientist say, "I have changed Webster's definition for 'retire,' to my own idea, 'to put on new tires.'" I have been retired seven years, and by my knowing that God directs and governs, the way has been delightful.

At the beginning of the Vietnam War there was a demand for experienced seafaring men to man the ammunition ships. Having had this experience as a very young man, I applied for employment. I was required to submit to a physical examination, which I passed easily. A lifeboat and seamanship examination was also required, and caused me considerable difficulty due to the thought of age. The test was made very difficult, obviously to wash me out. I was discouraged and gave up with some resentment. I was given no credit for past years of experience, but was measured by the calendar. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 246): "Life and its faculties are not measured by calendars. The perfect and immortal are the eternal likeness of their Maker."

I wrote a letter to the Commander in Chief in Washington, District of Columbia, and explained the injustice, but I condemned no one. "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). In a few days I was invited to take a verbal examination, which I passed with a high grade.

I signed on on an ammunition ship bound for Thailand. The members of the crew were all strangers to me, but I met a member of my Masonic Lodge, who was like a brother to me. I was scheduled to take my first turn at the ship's steering wheel coming down the Sacramento River into the Carquinez Straits.

When I reviewed my seamanship, I had hoped to be out at sea with lots of water around, but this was not to be so. On going up to the pilothouse I saw a bridge, which spans the river at one point, opening for the ship to pass through. I was struck with fear. The thought came to me, "Be late and let the man at the wheel take her through the bridge." But my sense of integrity denied this, and, knowing that God governs, I did some quick thinking to be sure to let the Christ in the wheelhouse door first. The man at the wheel gave me the pilot's order, "Steady as she goes." I repeated it, and then whispered to him to stand by a little while. I tried the wheel both right and left, the ship responded perfectly, and the man departed and so did my fear. I quietly thanked God. I steered the ship for two hours down the Straits, under bridges I had crossed many times with my car. I had not steered a ship for forty-eight years, and I expressed gratitude.

My watch was twelve to four, around the clock, seven days a week. At night I stood one hour lookout watch under the stars or clouds. This was the most beautiful hour of all, alone with God.

One man spoke to me very rudely. My first thought was to resent him, but we are taught in Christian Science to love all mankind and to see man as God's image and likeness. I did this, and this man became my very good friend. We were at sea two and one half months, round trip. I was able to fulfill all my duties with ease. I read the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, through once, studied separate chapters, and read the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly from the Bible and Science and Health daily. At night I had one free hour on my watch, so I would read the lesson the second time while standing by in the mess room.

I had the good fortune of attending the Christian Science Society, Sunday morning, in Bangkok. It gave me the most warm and friendly feeling I have ever experienced in all my visits to Churches of Christ, Scientist. I told a man at the service about my experience at the wheel. He told me that God is the only pilot. The service gave me a real uplift.

On the return trip the ship encountered engine trouble, slowing it down for days at a time, and a minor fire in the engine room caused considerable damage. The weather was foul, and we had rough seas most of the time, causing the ship to roll as much as 38 degrees at a time. I was not afraid but prayed continually, knowing that God was in control. We arrived in Los Angeles, California, just before Christmas to be home with our loved ones.

I am most grateful for Christian Science.

George G. Larson
Santa Cruz, California