Recently I was trying to gain a better understanding of true consciousness. Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy states, "Man's true consciousness is in the mental, not in any bodily or personal likeness to Spirit." One evening during this time of study, as I was cooking dinner I removed a dish from the oven and burned my hand twice on the inside of the oven. As I set the dish down I discovered a pan on the stove was scorching, so I quickly moved it to the sink, not realizing that the handle would be scalding hot.

As I stood at the sink I thought of what I had been studying. I knew that my true consciousness, as the likeness of Mind, Spirit, could be aware only of the allness of God. I was also aware of my true selfhood as an idea of Mind. I felt no pain. I was not even aware, at that point, of my hand. But when I noticed it I saw that the healing had been instantaneous! There was no evidence of burn whatsoever. This was one of those healings I like to term a "spiritual landmark." In these cases we are grateful for healing but even more thankful for the spiritual unfoldment that comes to us.

I'm also grateful for a healing that occurred several years ago. It was necessary for me to relocate to a large city in order to continue employment with my company. I "gritted my teeth" and, knowing I could be happy anywhere, reluctantly accepted the transfer. The day that I flew down for an interview, I went for a swim in the motel pool and found I could not raise my arms high enough to swim; they would not raise to shoulder level. With the prayerful help of a Christian Science practitioner, I prayed about this situation.

During this time of prayer, things unfolded harmoniously. A company plane flew me home on weekends until my house was sold and I found an apartment in the new city. The job I was assigned to was even better than anticipated. And I had the rewarding experience of being a part of a large, active Christian Science branch church. God's goodness was clearly evident. However, at Christmastime I was still barely able to dress myself, and I was hesitant to join the family for the holidays, as I feared that the entire family would then be aware of my difficulty.

I began to pray in the words of Christ Jesus "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew). Not my will, but Thine, be done! I realized that this was the spiritual awakening I had needed. Since my job transfer I had not truly yielded to God's will, even though there had been numerous evidences of His perfection. With gratitude for the many proofs of God's wisdom, I humbly prayed to obey no other will than His. I knew I wanted to be only where divine wisdom led me. Soon I became aware that I had complete freedom of movement and was entirely healed.

I'm grateful that my mother and grandmother found Christian Science before I was born. Each advancing year I find that endeavoring to live in accord with God and the teachings of Christian Science to the best of my ability, brings immeasurable joy and gratitude.

Darlene F. Sweet
Tulsa, Oklahoma