"Home, heaven"

ALICE B. LAYTON

Every heart warms at the word "home," but its real meaning must be apprehended, for only through the true idea of home can our earthly home be hallowed with the joys of heaven.

The right concept of home was never more needed than now, whereby each one can establish a right sense of it by living consciously in the eternal reality of Life, Truth, and Love. Dwelling therein, one can never be without divine protection; and even if to human sense one is bereft of friends and reduced to human loneliness, one can always be spiritually aware of the presence and power of God, infinite good, and constantly realize the encircling arms of divine Love. In the spiritual consciousness which is true home, all the qualities of being are nourished and cherished by divine Mind.

On page 587 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy defines "heaven" thus: "Harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." And she writes (ibid., p. 123): "The verity of Mind shows conclusively how it is that matter seems to be, but is not. Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas." Therefore, the true home is spiritual, not material.

To be conscious of God's ever-presence is to be conscious of the true home everywhere. And no material condition can deprive anyone of the right sense of home who knows that it is in the divine Mind. The spiritually-minded cannot possibly be banished from home, for the true home is above and beyond the reach of matter. This home is secure because His love is in control, His bounty spreads the table, His power ensures purity, order, beauty. Divine Love provides unchanging peace.

Paul said to the Athenians, "In him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." To have the true home it must be realized as heaven within one's own consciousness; and he who is truly at home within is at home everywhere. It is reflected love that makes the atmosphere of home. Here is found the true simplicity which brings the light of Love to all who may come within its light.

Having the true sense of home, none feels himself unloved or left alone with his problems. He who has found this home can never be found wanting by those who may turn to him for any helpfulness. As he strives to understand how divine Science "resolves things into thoughts," and puts right thoughts into daily practice, he sees that the true home is spiritually mental, and that it is his as he reflects God.

Spiritual thoughts attract only good, and peace and joy will surely come to all who hold to this concept. Viewed with this enlightened understanding, the right idea of companionship is gained. All that we admire, enjoy, and love in our friends are the spiritual qualities they express, the satisfying ideal of brotherhood; and as earthly ties are thus purified, we realize more and more of heaven, harmony. Our Leader writes (Science and Health, p. 254), "Pilgrim on earth, thy home is heaven; stranger, thou art the guest of God."

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