Everybody knows that parents like their kids to help them in the house with chores. But maybe you've never thought about helping your folks in other ways—like helping them to hear good ideas from God.

Living in a family is sort of like taking a nice walk along the beach or in the woods. If you go alone and keep your eyes open, you'll find lots of good things to collect. But if you go with a friend, you'll find even more, because your friend will see things you don't. And you'll see things your friend might miss.

That's how it is with parents and kids learning to listen to divine Mind, God. You can't just depend on your folks always to get the good ideas. Keep your eyes and ears open to the angel thoughts that come from divine Mind straight to you. You might even get some ideas your parents hadn't thought of.

I have a good example. It happened in our family. My son Preston has been going to the Christian Science Sunday School since he was very little. I've been studying Christian Science a lot longer than he has. But that doesn't count. The only thing that counts is who is listening the best to God and who is hearing God's angel messages.

One time, when Preston was in kindergarten, he had sores in his mouth. We both had learned in Christian Science that God doesn't make sore mouths. And for sure, mouths can't get sores all by themselves. The truth is that God's child can't be sick, because he is the image of perfect Love. We can express perfect Love by being our true selves. We're best at being our true selves when we are hearing spiritual thoughts from God.

Preston and I thought about these truths, which heal. But apparently this time he was listening to God with all his heart, while I was still thinking other thoughts.

I kept wishing the sores would go away quickly. That kept me from really knowing deep inside that since God never made sores, they couldn't last for even a second. I started thinking that maybe some type of food was the trouble, or maybe we needed to clean Preston's mouth in a special way. I even wondered if salt water would help.

I had Preston rinse his mouth out with salt water. But after he tried it once, he said, "No way." I didn't pay attention the first time, so he said it again. "Mom, I don't want to use that salt water."

I said, "Preston, do it anyway. It will make your mouth feel better."

That's when he said, good and loud, "Mommy! Salt water can't heal me. God's love heals me. The First Commandment says, 'No other gods before me.' ^{Ex. 20:3. The entire verse reads, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."} That means believe in God. Don't believe in salt water."

Then he sat down on the floor Indian fashion, and folded his arms, and looked as if he wouldn't give in, no matter what.

Suddenly I realized he was right! I was trying to use something material instead of relying on God's love. God is better than anything and quicker than the quickest thing, because God is always everywhere. That means that Love fills all space. When you pray and really know this truth, you can prove that there isn't even one place in your mouth, or on your elbows, or toes, or nose, or knees that isn't protected by God.

Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy says: "The First Commandment is my favorite text. It demonstrates Christian Science." ^{Science and Health, p. 340.} And you know what? That's exactly what happened. Preston proved that obeying the First Commandment is the best thing to do.

By the time he went to bed, the sores were completely gone. And they never came back. Preston could eat anything he wanted. Even potato chips!

Lots of other times Preston hears God's thoughts, even if I don't. I'm really glad to have his help. Kids don't know everything, but neither do grown-ups. We can work as a team and help each other listen to God better, and understand His love more so we can heal. That's one of the best things about living together.