Christian Science gives us a wonderful foundation on which to base our lives. This beautiful religion proved to be invaluable to me in high school and continues to aid me now in college. I would like to relate three healings I had during my junior year in high school.

I was trying out for a seat in my high school band. A few days before the audition I became very nervous. Knowing that this mental disturbance could be healed through Christian Science, I went to talk with a Christian Science practitioner. She assured me that God is with me and everyone, always. He is constantly taking care of everyone, including me. The practitioner also gave me the following statement from The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany by Mrs. Eddy to study (p. 50): "Stand by the limpid lake, sleeping amid willowy banks dyed with emerald. See therein the mirrored sky and the moon ablaze with her mild glory. This will stir your heart. Then, in speechless prayer, ask God to enable you to reflect God, to become His own image and likeness, even the calm, clear, radiant reflection of Christ's glory, healing the sick, bringing the sinner to repentance, and raising the spiritually dead in trespasses and sins to life in God." This statement reassured me that every spiritual idea is God's calm, clear reflection, including me. Therefore, nervousness has no validity.

At the time of the audition, all nervousness left. I was able to play with no discomfort. I had the knowledge and feeling of God's presence. After the audition, I still felt that calm assurance of God's presence. When the results were posted, I received a seat in the band better than I ever expected! The new seat was a joy, but the assurance of God's ever-presence was the true blessing.

Another time, right before a performance one night, I became quite ill. I applied the understanding I had gained from my study described earlier and also recalled two hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal with words by Mrs. Eddy, "'Feed My Sheep,'" No. 304, and "Mother's Evening Prayer," No. 207. These hymns reinforce the comforting thoughts of God's presence. To me they speak of God, the only power. God is taking care of His beloved child, man, and He will only give good to His child. After thinking through these hymns and rejoicing in knowing that God is here taking care of me, I was healed. I felt perfectly well the whole evening and praised God through the playing of my instrument.

Another proof of God's presence came when I was looking for a position in a band or orchestra out of school. I had inquired about a local band and a local orchestra, but both of these met on Wednesday evenings. On Wednesday evenings Christian Science churches hold testimony meetings. At these meetings, time is set aside for those who wish to tell how they have been healed through Christian Science. These meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome.

I didn't want to miss the Wednesday meetings at my church because they are so helpful and inspiring. So, I again turned to God for guidance. The words of a familiar hymn came to me (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 95):

I realized that God would lead me, and I prayed along these lines. Soon an opportunity came for me to try out for another orchestra. I found I could meet at the time this one had its rehearsals, so I auditioned and was accepted into the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Greater Chicago. This was a wonderful proof to me of God's guidance.

Christian Science gives us a wonderful basis for our lives. I am grateful to God for the example of Christ Jesus, and for Mrs. Eddy and this beautiful discovery. I am also grateful to be a member of The Mother Church, my local branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and the Christian Science college organization on campus; and for class instruction.

Thomas Richard Mitchinson
Elmhurst, Illinois