ALWAYS ENOUGH GOOD FOR EVERYONE

Jason Sheppard Greer

Working as a commercial salmon fisherman, I depend, for my yearly income, primarily on a few months of intense activity during the summer. This constraint could cause pressure or anxiety, but I have tried to use it as an opportunity to understand more fully God's provision for me. I have always prayed to understand that since the one, all-good, all-powerful God is infinite, our resources are inexhaustible. "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies," writes Mary Baker Eddy in Miscellaneous Writings. She goes on to say, "Never ask for to‐morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment." (p. 307).

One summer, another statement of Mrs. Eddy's took on new meaning: "In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all ..." (Science and Health, p. 206). I had thought about this before, but that year I considered it more deeply. I discovered that I had been feeling competitive when I heard how many salmon other fishermen were catching. I had been proud if I was netting more than others, and disappointed or threatened if I learned that others had been more successful. However, these reactions were based on a limited view of God's goodness. I was neither being grateful for the fish that I caught, nor was I acknowledging the good in other people's lives. Stepping back, I realized that of course other people have a right to abundance as well. Not recognizing others' blessings would be like not acknowledging a mountain's beauty just because it exists in a different country.

Discussing this with a friend who is an artist brought another realization. When she saw the work of successful artists, she felt pangs of envy and despair. She felt that her work should be on display in the gallery instead of theirs or that she should receive the awards they had received. But then she realized that those artists, being the image and likeness of God, also have the privilege and duty to express perfect Soul, God. Those artists have a right to recognition and encouragement. The Bible states, "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works" (Ps. 145:9). Furthermore, their success and recognition do not detract from the good my friend receives. If God's supply is infinite, then good flowing to another person cannot disrupt or block the flow of good to us.

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