Article October 1, 2007 Issue

NOT HALF BUT WHOLE

BY KATHLEEN S. MCKOWN

When my husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly a few years ago, I realized I had a decision to make. I could either yearn for a comfortable daily routine that was no longer possible, or I could embrace the next chapter of my life and expect to move forward.

Through my study of Christian Science, I had learned that Life is unending, eternal. And I felt certain that my dear husband was safe, cared for, and well prepared for a progressive sense of existence. In the immediate aftermath of his passing, I came to see that I could expect progress for myself as well. I made this decision very consciously, and whenever I was tempted to mentally give in to loss and sadness, I renewed my commitment to spiritual progress. Praying in this way was a powerful antidote for grief and the commonly-held thought that life would not be worth living without one's spouse.

A Bible verse from Isaiah became the keynote for the new chapter of my life: "Thy Maker is thine husband" (54:5). I'd never imagined that one could find genuine comfort from this idea in the absence of a loving spouse; but I did in fact find a deep sense of security and satisfaction as I began to see God as my "husband."