In late June 2021, I went to the dentist for a routine cleaning. I was told I had a clogged saliva gland, and it was recommended that I go to an oral surgeon. I had never heard of such a problem and had no desire to go to an oral surgeon.

After several weeks without any discomfort, I made the mistake of trying to unclog the gland with my fingers. Within a few hours, there was much swelling and pain, at which point I did what I wished I had done in the first place—I prayed about the situation! I recalled my Christian Science teacher asking, “Is your problem too big or is your God too small?” I resolved that my God was not too small but fills all space—that He is infinite and all-powerful Life and Love.

Over the previous few months, I had noticed Mary Baker Eddy’s use in her writings of the word experience, such as this from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “Through all the disciples experienced, they became more spiritual and understood better what the Master had taught” (p. 34). This impelled me to address the problem by praying for myself. Once I got started, fear began to fade.