A number of years ago, while I was attending a Christian Science Sunday School, a beloved teacher told us that in the event of an accident, it was most important to turn thought to God to reverse any effects of the accident. Within a few years I had an opportunity to demonstrate this.

I was in the Army, and we had been firing automatic rifles on a target range. The barrels of the guns were very hot. I inadvertently lifted my weapon by the barrel instead of by the wooden handgrip.

Quickly I turned my thought to God, away from the pain I felt and toward spiritual truth. There was not time for detailed Christian Science treatment, but I was very aware of God's constant presence, and I suffered no ill effects from the heat. I have since felt that this demonstration was pivotal in my decision to continue to practice Christian Science.

Recently while traveling in a foreign city, I tripped on a curb and twisted my ankle. I fell down quite hard in the street, but again I immediately turned my thought to God, knowing I could not be out of His care. I denied that there was any chance of accident in God's universe. Within a minute or two all evidence of injury vanished, and I was able to continue on, walking normally.

Two days later while in an airport I fell again, twisting the same ankle. My first thought was "Why is this happening to me?" The effect was severe pain and immediate swelling. I found a seat and prayed, acknowledging God's supremacy and my role as His perfect reflection. Although my walking was impaired and I was in some pain, I was able to continue the trip to the next destination.

That evening, after a full day of travel, my wife was able to secure a hotel room for us, and I called a practitioner who immediately began to pray for me. The next morning the heel of my foot, which had been very painful, was perfectly normal, and I could get around much more easily. We were able to meet friends, and I continued to improve during the week and was able to keep an active schedule.

It was reassuring to see that no matter how far we were from home, we could never be removed from God's care. I remembered a quotation from the Bible: "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God" (Rom. 8:38, 39). The practitioner continued to pray for me. I returned to work as I was scheduled, and all normal function returned within the week.

This healing taught me the need to watch my thought constantly and not to agree to any condition I don't want to experience. It also demonstrated to me that, whether a healing comes quickly or over a period of time, I can trust God for a sure, complete solution.

Don Thomas
Rochester Hills, Michigan