One summer while in my teens, I suffered a very painful injury to my ankle. My immediate concern was that it would interfere with the coming football season, because I knew that sprained ankles can take weeks or even months to heal, and I was afraid the ankle might actually be broken.

I called a Christian Science practitioner for metaphysical treatment through prayer, and I also prayed on my own. That night, as I prayed I felt a sudden, profound conviction that my true identity is spiritual and therefore cannot suffer an injury of any kind. In that moment, the pain vanished, and the swelling and discoloration, which had been considerable, diminished before my eyes; I was able to walk freely and without pain. (For a fuller account, see Robert P. Cochran, Sentinel, April 14, 1973.)

Needless to say, I’ve treasured that healing ever since. But over the years, I’ve also pondered my response to it. I could have said, “Wow! What an incredible, marvelous gift Christian Science is! I’m going to be more devout, redouble my efforts to study this wonderful Science, and become a better healer for myself and others.” What I actually said was, “Great! Now I can play football again!” And I did.