Article August 23, 1993 Issue

Enriching the soil

Just when loss seems the greatest, we may see most clearly the good that can never be lost.

Sandra Peterson

I Discovered the appeal of gardening a few years ago. I liked turning the soil in the spring, sowing seed, picking fresh flowers and vegetables all summer, and canning extra tomatoes in the fall. But just as enjoyable was the cleanup that followed. I loved making compost! The fact that spent leaves, flowers, and produce could become a fertile soil amendment seemed wonderful to me. Nothing was wasted. My soil grew dark and rich, and my harvests became bountiful.

When I was thinking of a friend who is a Christian Scientist, it occurred to me that a spiritually consecrated life might be likened to a consistently enriched garden. Fruits of spiritually, including satisfying relationships and proofs of God's healing power through prayer, were obvious in her life. She also experienced periods of unrequited affections and unfulfilled hopes. Yet those evidently harsh episodes did not make her life more barren. On the contrary, she showed deepening trust in God's love, which resulted in spiritual strength, vitality, and unshakable peace.

Christian Science helps us to lead lives richer in spirituality because it shows us that the real order of being is itself spiritual. It shows us that our genuine selfhood is the likeness of God, Spirit. So whether momentary events seem encouraging or dismaying, the movement of prayerful lives is always Spiritward.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Education that leads to healing