TeenConnect: Your Healings February 19, 2024 Issue

The perfect fit

David Martin

Originally appeared online in the teen series Your Healings - December 5, 2023

BOOT PRINTS: © PANPTYS/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Shortly after I started college, I found myself wanting to express more of my individuality. This led me to buy an ankle-length wool coat and combat boots at a thrift store—both of which were many sizes too big. After the first rainy bike ride to class, the coat was wet and heavy, and the toes of my combat boots curled up like elf shoes. Not exactly the look I was going for.

Although I thought my intended new style fit who I was, I actually felt uncomfortable focusing so much on myself—though I wasn’t exactly sure why. But I would soon find out.

Growing up, I’d attended a Christian Science Sunday School, where I’d learned that my identity was spiritual and that I’m the reflection of God. Now, as I continued my study of Christian Science, I learned more about what that actually means. I started to value my individuality as defined not by me but by God. I learned that my individuality is distinct, loved, and complete. As this spiritual sense of identity dawned, I began to focus less on myself and instead looked for ways to love others. This led to an opportunity to work at a crisis center halfway house. I also began attending both a local Christian Science Sunday School and the Christian Science organization meetings on campus. I had a deepening desire to feel closer to my Father-Mother God.

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