As a playwright, I’ve come to value the art of storytelling and the transformative journey of a well-drawn character. A compelling story requires a protagonist who makes decisions, takes action, and grows from experience. Without movement—without purpose—a story stalls. 

This insight led me to two meaningful questions: Am I taking an active role in my own spiritual growth, or am I waiting passively for change? More importantly, am I allowing God to direct this growth—my life’s path and purpose?

I try to begin each morning with silent prayer. This quiet communion is a way to listen, opening thought to God, divine Mind. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer” (p. 4). That struggle, for me, isn’t about striving humanly, but about humbly yielding to God’s will. It’s about quieting my fears, setting aside any personal agendas, and making space for divine inspiration.

I realized that prayer wasn’t about changing my circumstances, but about changing my perspective.

Years ago, when our family’s finances were tight and we had three young children to care for, I needed part-time work to supplement my husband’s income. I had a background in acting and a deep love for teaching, so I started offering after-school acting classes at a local elementary school. It met the financial need and brought me joy—and a surprising sense of rightness. I could feel that this small step had been divinely guided. It wasn’t just a practical solution but also an answer to prayer.

Several years later, after a cross-country move with our now four children, we were starting over in a new state. I was without a job, and our financial situation grew more uncertain by the day. I scoured help-wanted ads and applied for several positions, but received no calls in response. With each passing day, it became harder to ignore the creeping fear that we might not make rent. Still, I did my best to stay hopeful, trusting that a solution would present itself.

One morning, I turned wholeheartedly to God in prayer. I stopped asking, “What should I do?” and instead affirmed that divine Love was already unfolding its plan—and that I was exactly where I needed to be. That shift in thought made all the difference. I realized that prayer wasn’t about changing my circumstances but about changing my perspective. 

That day, I was reminded of how Jesus taught us to pray by giving us the Lord’s Prayer—and I specifically thought about the line “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). I set aside worry and chose to be fully present with what God had already provided. We had found a home we loved. Our three older children were enrolled in a school they enjoyed. And at the time, we had enough to meet our basic needs. With that recognition, I simply embraced that day at home with my youngest child, who was too young for school. We played, rested, and laughed. I felt deeply at peace—and profoundly grateful.

The very next morning, the phone rang. A high school administration had reviewed my résumé and was inviting me to interview for a substitute teaching position. I didn’t know what subject I might be assigned, but I said yes. At the interview, I learned that the theater teacher was on leave and that they needed someone to cover part of her course load. I accepted, and just a few weeks later was asked to take on the rest of her classes as well. During spring break, I was also asked to direct the annual spring musical. What began as a short-term assignment soon became a full-time role that felt tailor-made for my background and experience—and one that I enjoyed for many years. It was more than coincidence; it was the result of yielding more fully to God’s direction and trusting His provision.

This experience illustrated something profound: Listening for and trusting God’s direction allows us to take active, confident steps forward
—not driven by fear or willfulness but guided by divine Love. Science and Health says, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (p. 494). I had seen the truth of this firsthand. My need wasn’t just financial—it was for purpose, stability, reassurance, and a deeper understanding of God’s ever-present care.

The outcome wasn’t something I’d orchestrated through human planning; it unfolded naturally as I yielded to divine Mind. As the Bible counsels us: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Being an active participant in God’s plan doesn’t mean forcing outcomes; it means waking up each day with spiritual receptivity and a willingness to follow divine guidance. It means praying to gain a clearer understanding and recognition of God’s plan already in motion. It means being faithful even in the smallest things, knowing that each divinely inspired step carries us forward.

Even when circumstances seem uncertain, we can choose to participate—through prayer—in the unfoldment of good.

Some days that trust may take the form of pausing a quiet moment to listen before making a decision. Other days we might be inspired to take a leap of faith toward an opportunity that feels right, even if it isn’t what we expected. What matters most is that we move forward from a place of spiritual confidence—grounded in the understanding that divine Love is always present and always governing its beloved creation.

This practice of actively trusting God can transform the way we experience life. It can open our thought to new ideas, unexpected solutions, and an inner peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances. When we are aware of God’s presence every moment, we find the inspiration and courage to step forward—even if the path ahead isn’t yet fully visible.

Even when circumstances seem uncertain, we can choose to participate—consciously, joyfully, and through consecrated prayer—in the unfoldment of good. This is the essence of spiritual progress. It is a life not of passively waiting but of actively listening for our divinely directed purpose. And that’s a story worth telling.