Teens October 2, 2017 Issue

The way I truly am

Sara Lang

It was the day of the ropes course challenge at the camp for Christian Scientists I was attending. The last part of the course was up in the trees, so we all had to climb down when we were finished. I decided to jump the last few feet, as I thought it would be quicker. But when I did, I landed unevenly and twisted my ankle. At first, I got up and brushed it off. But a few minutes later, I could hardly walk because of the pain.

I was so disappointed. This was supposed to be a fun, productive summer, filled with activities like mountain biking and hiking. If my ankle was hurt, how could I participate? Some of my friends and a counselor could see I was distressed and came over to comfort me. They shared an idea with me from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “… there is no room for imperfection in perfection” (Mary Baker Eddy, p. 424). One friend put it in her own words and said, “There is no room for imperfection because you are God’s reflection!” This was eye-opening for me. If I am God’s reflection, completely spiritual, then there is no possibility of anything but perfection. I am the true image and likeness of God, and what appeared to be an accident couldn’t change that—ever. I kept praying with this idea, and in a few minutes I was able to walk with less pain.

I participated in the camp activities that night and had a great time, but my ankle was still bothering me. So I decided to ask the Christian Science practitioner at camp to pray with me. We discussed Genesis 1:31: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

Send a comment to the editors