The Joy of Gratitude

RUTH PUTNAM

THE student of Christian Science who meets with opposition or finds himself in a position where he must work out his own problems, need not be dismayed nor discouraged. Such a circumstance, although it may seem a trial at the time, is in fact a privilege and an opportunity to grow in the understanding of divine Science.

An earnest student, when first seeking an understanding of Christian Science, found herself in such circumstances. Many times the way seemed dark, and discouragement tried to claim a place in her thought. She received much help from the following words which she found in our periodicals: "There is no disappointment to those whose will is buried in the will of God;" and, "A truly grateful person cannot be discouraged."

As we analyze these statements, we find them to be true. One is never discouraged unless he is disappointed; and if his desire is to be conscious of God, to know and do only His will, he cannot be disappointed; for, as our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has written on page 1 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds."

Discouragement cannot abide with joy and gratitude. Gratitude has been called the "open door for good;" and it was so demonstrated by Christ Jesus when he showed the joy of gratitude, expressed in his words, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always," before he cried to Lazarus to come forth from the tomb. Again, before he fed the multitude he gave thanks to God. He who understood God's allness did not wait to see the good manifested humanly, but first thanked God for His unlimited goodness.

The student, who at one time seemed to be seriously ill and in intense pain, and in danger of passing on, asked herself why she was not receiving her healing, and began to wonder what she had left undone that she ought to have done. In answer to this question came the realization that for several weeks she had been depressed and burdened in thought. Understanding that the lack of gratitude and joy had opened the door of her thought to error, she took immediate action to shut out of her mental home all error, by singing hymns and rejoicing in the truth that God, divine Love, is ever present, regardless of seeming material conditions. With this change of thinking came an immediate change in the physical manifestation. She was healed, and was able to resume her usual manifold duties, with an increased knowledge of the power of joy and gratitude. The student had learned that the realization of Truth is not only followed or accompanied by, but is preceded by joy and gratitude; that gratitude, even the joyous acknowledgement of the ever-presence of divine Love, is prayer.

At the close of a year during which she had passed through many trying experiences, the student realized that she had gained an increased understanding of Christian Science and had learned more of God, divine Love. For this she was deeply thankful, knowing that through these experiences she had also learned something of the joy and healing power of gratitude.

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