In the late 1960s, when I was in my last year of college, I planned to become a United States Navy pilot. I had completed my four years in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and had the desire, skill, and aptitude needed to be an aviator. However, when I took the required physical exam, I was told that my eyes did not meet the Navy’s standards, and I could not become a pilot. 

The doctor explained that I had a genetic defect that could become a hazard. Under the stress of combat, my vision could split into two fields of sight and become blurred. My dad always wore strong glasses to correct a difficulty he’d had since his youth that he described as “seeing two moons and having severe headaches.” It seemed I had the same issue, and I was told that this condition was permanent and couldn’t be corrected enough to enable me to be a pilot. 

I was very disappointed and asked that I be reexamined at a later date, and the doctor agreed. I spent the next several weeks praying, and I contacted a Christian Science practitioner, who agreed to give me metaphysical treatment. I remember thinking about this statement from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (p. 494). I knew my needs were being met by God.