Article October 20, 1973 Issue

A Problem—or an Invitation?

GWEN WOODRING

Responsibility for someone who is helpless can look like a big problem. It is possible to feel sympathy and love for the one depending on us and yet be wearied with the assignment and long for rest. Perhaps we sincerely want to do the generous and loving thing but feel we are just not able. We are willing and encouraged at one time, resisting and dependent at another.

If we are required by duty or choice to continue in such a situation, our help is at hand. Right in the midst of what seems to be an exhausting effort, Christian Science reveals the possibility of attaining relief and freedom.

Mary Baker Eddy points out the first step when she writes in Science and Health: "Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind?"^{Science and Health, p. 264;} Mind, our only real Mind, is God, creating and maintaining all in the image of Himself, divine Love. Looking beyond what our eyes see to what He knows of us and the one we care for, we begin to recognize our problem as an invitation. It is the invitation Christ Jesus extended to the weary when he said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."^{Matt. 11:28;} And this rest Jesus spoke of is the joy of knowing that man has dominion over all the earth, the dominion bestowed upon the spiritual, real man, the son of God, the true identity of each one of us.