"Make channels for the streams of love"

GRACE HOFFMAN WHITE

In these words from a hymn, "Make channels for the streams of love," our work in Christian Science is wonderfully pointed out to us; and no one is too young to begin making these channels. In doing this we find the right activity that will develop the good and the beautiful in our characters, and give to our daily lives a purpose which lies beyond the shade of mortal existence.

We do not have to go far afield to begin making these channels. In our home, in our school, wherever we may be, we shall find need for them and be delighted to see how they broaden and deepen as "the streams of love" flow through them. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, whose whole life was spent in making "channels for the streams of love," tells us that "what we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 4). Here we are shown how to make these channels: by "the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace," desire so strong that it will destroy the weeds of mortal mind as they appear, "clearing the gardens of thought" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 343), and making our hearts ready for the love of God, which shows itself in our daily conduct and makes us able to see ourselves and others as children of God.

Surely, patience will need to be expressed if we expect to see ourselves and others as God's children. This may take a great deal of right thinking, a great deal of watchfulness, that no choking weeds of mortal mind, such as envy, impatience, or conceit, shall hinder our work of making "channels for the streams of love." Here we may ask ourselves: How much of a channel for love have our thoughts become? Are we less selfish and more loving; less hasty in judging others? The answer to these questions will show how fervent is our desire, how far our lives express growth in grace, bringing out harmony, and to what extent our "familiar acts are beautiful through love." The everyday things, when brought into the currents of love, become beautiful.

We should not become discouraged though our success in making these channels may seem slow, or the way far from clear. Let us ask ourselves, What is the most loving thing to do? and then, forgetful of self, patiently set about doing it. One always has the power to try again, because, as John declared, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." As we persevere in our daily efforts, we lose the "touchy" sense of self that may have made all the trouble, in the joy that comes from keeping open these channels of loving thought.

It is here that we find what meekness means; for in studying Christian Science we realize that meekness never means a loss of true self-esteem, but the gaining of courage. Meekness combines with courage in putting away false pride and self-will, and trusting more in divine Love. "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way." Then we shall not lean so much on our own supposed wisdom, nor be inclined to overestimate anything we may have done. Let us never fear, but have faith; for divine Love is always leading us in the way that is best for our growth in grace. This larger courage of meekness will certainly not fail to express itself in our lives as we give loving service to others.

"Ceasing to give, we cease to have,
Such is the law of love."

Ready opportunity for good deeds will be found as we quietly desire to fill our brother's need, as far as we are able, remembering that a loving heart is tactful and understanding. We soon find that service given in a tender, unselfish spirit is joyously and generously received.

Then, truly, the streams of Love will overflow the channels made by growth in grace, the channels of patience and meekness, love and good deeds; and our lives will be filled with joy and gladness—the spiritual fruitage springing from the soil of a loving and understanding heart.

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