Article December 6, 1999 Issue

What a difference perspective makes

Perceiving oneself spiritually brings healing.

By Kay Ramsdell Olson

IT WAS CHRISTMAS. The night was clear and the air was cold. I looked out the window to enjoy the glow of the electric candles from the houses on my street. There was a glow, all right, but it was a frightening glow. I saw flames leaping in the living room of the house across the street. My husband grabbed the phone to call 911, and I ran into the night to see if anyone was home.

When I reached the middle of the street, I could see through the living room window and, yes, there were "leaping flames," but they were leaping from gas logs safely ensconced within the fireplace. I could see the neighbors, too. They were seated peacefully around their dining table enjoying a holiday meal. What a relief! I laughed at myself as I gestured to my husband to cancel the 911 call.

What had changed, of course, was my perspective. When I got closer to my neighbor's house, I saw everything from a different standpoint, and with the correct perspective came welcome relief. This is, in a sense, what the Science of Christ does.