When I was in high school, my parents gave me a gift subscription to the Christian Science Sentinel. I always loved reading it and never missed an issue. Each time I read an article that particularly spoke to me, I saved it in a folder I had put aside for that purpose. Over time I accumulated quite a few articles but never had an opportunity to go back over them.

After college graduation, marriage, and a move into an apartment, I came across the folder and started going through all the articles I had saved. I noticed that many of them were by the same writer. I began to wonder if he was a teacher of Christian Science, because I found the ideas he expressed to be so clear and inspiring. I had heard about Christian Science Primary class instruction and liked the idea of having this instruction early in my experience so I could be well prepared to use what I learned in my life going forward.

After checking around, I discovered that the writer was indeed a Christian Science teacher and that he lived in New York. I wrote to him about my interest in having class instruction with him, and he sent me an application to fill out. One of the questions on the application was, “If my class is full for this coming year, would you be willing to wait?” I answered the question by writing “no” because I felt very ready to take this step. Even though this teacher’s articles had inspired my first thoughts about class instruction, I was not feeling attached to him in particular if God had another plan for me.

The teacher wrote back and asked me to come for an interview. I remember being honest in the interview, telling him that I was working to overcome apathy toward Christian Science. Although I enjoyed being a new wife, teaching school, and getting together with other young couples, I was missing the quality time I had previously put into spiritual study. 

The teacher’s statements of truth removed any sense of guilt and lifted me right up. I left his office with a renewed desire to put God first in my life. Soon after the interview, I received an invitation to be in his next class. 

Since I was a full-time teacher in a junior high school, I was glad to learn that the class would take place in the summer, when school was out. Although my life was very busy, I quietly cherished the opportunity and knew it would be important to my growth in Christian Science. I was asked to keep the dates of the two-week class confidential. 

The first morning on my way to class, which was held in a Christian Science church in New York City, I saw someone I knew walking across the street. Not wanting her to know where I was going, I tried to keep out of sight. Then I noticed she was going to the same place where I was headed!

I can say with great enthusiasm that Christian Science class instruction was the most important learning experience I have ever had. How wonderful that we have this provision in the Church Manual to forward our understanding of God and His healing power. The instruction in class came from the chapter called “Recapitulation” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. 

I learned that Mrs. Eddy used this method of question and answer for the classes she taught. The teaching in this chapter unfolded for me a deeper appreciation and love for the teachings of Christ Jesus, and it showed me how to demonstrate the truth of Christian Science more in my own life, as well as how to help others. Making time for “the things of the Spirit” and actively serving church became so satisfying that feelings of apathy no longer troubled me. I experienced a better quality of life than I had ever had before.

During many critical times in raising a family, and in times of great need, I was so grateful to be able to continue to communicate with my teacher for healing and guidance in my spiritual study and growth. My class notes have continued to be invaluable, always reminding me of how to practice what I learned and how to demonstrate the truth more and more. Each year, the day of my Christian Science association meeting is the most important day in my life. During the week before the meeting, I set aside time to study and pray. I like to think of my preparation time as an opportunity to change my attitude from the preoccupation of Martha to the receptivity of Mary (see Luke 10:38–42).

The blessings of class instruction continue to unfold as I go forward in building on the strong spiritual foundation I received. I’m glad I didn’t wait once I felt ready to take this step of progress.