Article October 9, 2006 Issue

TRAVELING WITH GOD

BY REBECCA HOLZWORTH

This past spring, a friend and I went to Mexico City, primarily to study its art and architecture. I enjoy traveling and was really excited about the trip, although at the same time several things concerned me. My friend and I hadn't spent much time together, and I hoped that we'd get along really well. I'd also been warned we'd be in areas with a high crime rate, and I wasn't accustomed to the altitude, native food, or water.

For most of my life I've turned to God for answers to my concerns, and with good results — many solutions have come in ways I could not have foreseen. For instance, at the end of my sophomore year of college, I felt as if my life was a big mess with no clear path to take. I'd been unexpectedly denied on-campus housing for the following year. My frantic search for appropriate off-campus housing was fruitless. Finally, I decided to turn to God and listen in prayer for His plan. The answer that came was surprising and unexpected. It became very clear to me that I should take a leave of absence and come back for spring term. Although this had certainly not been in my plan, I felt peaceful and happy, convinced that it was the right course of action. That time off turned out to be one of the best and happiest times of my life. I think this was because I rededicated myself to consistent study of the Bible and Science and Health. In fact, the spiritual grounding I gained during that period literally changed my life. For one thing, I started loving others more, and myself as well.

Because of experiences like that, I knew I could trust God to take care of my friend and me in Mexico City. But it seemed important for me to take time for prayer before we left, and to listen closely to God for His direction. I remembered God can be thought of as Principle, a name for Him that I'd learned in my Christian Science Sunday School that imparts the idea of His law of order and safety. And right then I thought, Because God is Principle, there can be no room for disorder. This prayer, which quieted my thoughts and eliminated my anxiety, also filled me with a calm assurance that God would be guiding and protecting my every movement.