As a student of Christian Science, I began my design company based on the spiritual fact that God supplies every need of man, and that every aspect of my business would be good and God-directed.

I reasoned that ideas for design, like all good, productive ideas, are God-given; therefore they are always available, with unlimited possibilities. God loves all, so everyone must benefit in business, and I could expect to know the exact design solution for each client. Every problem I might face in my company really only involved proving that inharmony and error are nothing because God is All-in-all. (Each week as I write up a schedule of business activities, the first words I write are "Expect good.")

Once after sending information about my company to a prospective client, I telephoned to make sure it had been received. The marketing director stated defensively that she had been sick for two weeks, needed a secretary, and had so many of her own problems that she had neither the time nor interest to look at my work. After our conversation I realized she actually believed that she was a victim of circumstances. Expressing love for her, I knew that as a child of God she was innocent of ever having said an unkind word. Two days later she telephoned me, polite and professional, saying she had greatly admired my work and would certainly recommend me for future jobs.

On another occasion a reputable department store asked me to design and produce a product exclusively for them. When it came time to actually sew the product together, the sewers who had previously worked for me were unavailable, and I had to use a sewing factory that was new to me. The usual procedure is for a factory to produce a few samples of a product, to exhibit its capabilities; the samples I received were so badly sewn that my initial reaction was to take my products and run.

Knowing that God could not misdirect me, and that there are no mistakes in His kingdom, I worked patiently at the factory for hours, teaching the sewers what needed to be done. Though I asked for the work to be repeated many times, not one of the workers showed any irritation or impatience with me, but instead eagerly tried to comply with my directions. Still, at the end of the day it appeared that even making a straight stitch was difficult for them. I needed these workers, but I was extremely concerned that they would not be able to meet the level of quality I needed.

When I discussed my concerns with my father (also a Christian Scientist), he stated that God maintains His spiritual creation, which He patterns perfectly after His own goodness. My dad also told me that the line of spiritual creation is under God's perfect control, and the result of understanding this is glorious.

In addition, the Christian Science Bible Lesson that week included from Science and Health, "The realization that all inharmony is unreal brings objects and thoughts into human view in their true light, and presents them as beautiful and immortal" (p. 276).

With these calming truths, I went ahead and told the factory to complete the work. In time they found ways to make the production more efficient, and this enabled me to deliver the order on schedule. One month after the merchandise had been in the store, the buyer called to say that never before had this type of product received such a positive reaction, and that the customers were ecstatic.

Patricia Diane Packard
New York, New York

I wish to verify the harmonious outcome my daughter describes of the business activities of her design company. Throughout this challenging time she relied completely on the teachings of Christian Science to overcome all production difficulties.

The thoughts that I shared with her came to me as a result of my research in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy on the words design and line.

I am most grateful to Christian Science for the practical truths it sets forth, and for the opportunity to share them with my daughter.

Duane L. Packard
Arlington, Virginia