When I returned home after the Second World War, during which time I had experienced divine Love's protection and guidance, I prayed to be led to a position from which I could serve mankind in an effective and practical way. I had been an art director in an advertising agency before the war, but I did not want to go back to the same type of work, although it had provided a good income for my family.

While praying about the situation, I turned to this statement in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy: "Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds."

Before long I felt prompted to register with a professional art organization. A number of positions were soon offered. However, I held out for the ideal that I envisioned in my desire, and I continued to trust in divine Love.

After a waiting period of about a month, I received a call from the director of the organization. She was rather excited about a call she had just received from the United Nations. They were looking for a graphic designer to create educational projects that would inform the public about the UN and its activities. I was interviewed and in about two weeks was notified that I had been selected for the position.

It was so much more than I had envisioned. Imagine my joy in designing the first UN Christmas card and working on a great variety of projects designed to serve the interests of all the nations. Lifelong friendships were formed. My cup indeed ran over.

I feel that the work I did in those early years of the UN demonstrated the promise given in Revelation: "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." This position did indeed remain an open door of opportunity, establishing my work and reputation on a high level for the rest of my career.

My family and I have experienced many healings in Christian Science. At one point I began to experience a great deal of pain in my feet. The bones began to enlarge, and I was forced to purchase an extra large pair of shoes. I continued to pray about the situation.

One day, upon arriving at my office in town, I turned on my answering machine and heard a rather astonishing message. It sounded like a woman's voice speaking in a strange chant, cursing me in the most vile language imaginable. To say that I was shocked is to put it mildly. I played the message again to see if I could make some sense of it, but I couldn't. Then I gave my attention to this wonderful statement in Science and Health: "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." Thus clad, I went about my Father's business.

Upon leaving the office that day, I slipped the tape into my briefcase and took it home. Later that evening I decided to listen once again to the recording. As it played, I was startled to hear my name whispered in the middle of the incantation. I replayed that section and again heard my name whispered, followed by the words, "How's your feet?" The question had been hidden in the chanting.

I turned to God in gratitude. Clearly, I saw the difficulty was not simply a physical one. I prayed, acknowledging the power of Truth to cast into oblivion this aggressive mental imposition.

My prayer was effective. In a few days my feet returned to their normal size, and I have not had a recurrence of the trouble. Once again divine Love had taught me a valuable lesson that has strengthened my understanding of Science.

"Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage," wrote Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health, revealing the Science of this oneness. Words are inadequate to express my heartfelt gratitude for Christian Science and its Discoverer, Mrs. Eddy, and for all the good that has blessed my family and me through the study and practice of this Science.

David G. Van Vliet
Shelter Island Heights, New York