The way will open
At one time I was active in a healing practice in another denomination, but you could say I was also “circling” Christian Science for over 30 years. At various times I was lovingly mentored by several Christian Science teachers and practitioners, each of whom played a unique role in my spiritual unfoldment. At one point the time seemed perfect for me to take Primary class instruction. I thought I had found the teacher from whom I would take class, but I stopped while preparing to fax in the necessary application. I listened to God and received a gentle but firm, “No.”
Feeling dismayed, I contacted that individual. He graciously said he understood, but I felt a bit irritated. Wasn’t I supposed to take class with him? I again listened, and was led by the Holy Spirit to look online—something I truly did not like to do! I found an archived recording of a talk given at a Christian Science nursing facility. The topic: “Communicating the message of the Comforter.” The speaker was a Christian Science teacher, and after listening to the talk, I felt I should contact him. This teacher assured me of his support, but I told him I was very concerned about being able to pay for class and related expenses as well as being able to make travel arrangements.
The teacher’s confirmation that we are all ongoing students of the Holy Spirit
motivated me to commit to his class. I continued to listen and pray, and dove into all the preparatory work. But as time went on, I had to let him know that neither the money issue nor the way there nor lodging during class had been resolved. I was again gently assured the way would open.
On Friday morning, the day before I would have to fly out if I was to begin class, I went downstairs to let my housemate, also a Christian Scientist, know that the means were still not available. Willing to maintain an expectant, childlike sense of discovery, I told her, “If it is indeed God’s will to go now, the way will open.” I was all packed, so I left to shop for some much-needed shoes.
I loved that afternoon. I had finally yielded it all to God, knowing that my experience was under His control, and that I would be led to be exactly where I needed to be. I went to the park, fed the ducks, had a lunch at my favorite restaurant, and found “the” shoes.
Early that evening, I turned my cellphone on—and discovered numerous urgent messages from my housemate. The last one said, “You are on a flight at eight in the morning!”
While driving with my housemate to pick up a rental computer to use during class, I learned of a coordinated effort by a number of individuals to support my step to take class. Outside the computer store, with barely a few minutes left in the business day, I received another call to complete all pertinent financial information. Only then did I discover that a solution for my travel and lodging expenses had come together in a beautiful and timely way.
I called my Christian Science teacher to let him know of the turn of events. He graciously received the information, also letting me know I could use a spare computer that was loaded with Concord, the Christian Science concordance software. Since I was already packed, I spent the rest of the evening “basking in the glow,” studying, praying, and giving deep, heartfelt thanks!
In class, we all discovered several classmates had similar “last minute” testimonies. I learned I live and move and have my being in the kingdom of heaven, here and now (see Acts 17:28 ). I learned that I “see out from God,” rather than working my way up to Him. And I learned how deeply loved and cherished we all are as precious children of the living God. I was also humbled as I perceived that I had much to unlearn.
From class, I witnessed that “through the transparency of Science we learn ... that man can fulfil the Scriptures in every instance; that if he open his mouth it shall be filled—not by reason of the schools, or learning, but by the natural ability, that reflection already has bestowed on him, to give utterance to Truth” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 183 ).
The spiritual understanding I gained during class deepened my devotion to praying for others—unfolding, and being enfolded by, Christian Science practice. As Mary Baker Eddy says, “… let mortals bow before the creator, and, looking through Love’s transparency, behold man in God’s own image and likeness, arranging in the beauty of holiness each budding thought” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 330 ). I am deeply grateful as I witness daily “testimonies in the making,” all for God’s glory.
