FOR FOUR MONTHS I'd been sorting, packing, keeping, and giving away. After 19 years in one house, I was moving.

One morning as I lay in bed thinking deeply about all that had transpired and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that still needed doing, I focused for a moment on the boxes of books I'd packed. They were piled all around the study—religious, reference, biographical, historical, cultural, how-to. Which ones should I take now, take later, or just drop off at the local book-swap?

Suddenly, as I lay there gripped by "how-do-I-proceed-from-here?" questions, a gentle thought swept over me: "All I'll ever truly need is my Bible—and Science and Health which is the best key to the Scriptures anyone could have." It was a Hallelujah moment. How could I ever have doubted! My Bible was one of my best friends, a forever trustworthy companion. One of the books I could never live without. It was there to turn to when I needed answers. When I needed consolation. When I was looking for inspiration and encouragement. It was a book that guaranteed comfort and healing.

My exercise in gratitude went further. These Holy Scriptures had given me strength in times of struggle; hope in times of crisis; and peace of mind in times of prolonged angst. The Ten Commandments had become my benchmark for living; the Beatitudes, my model for praying. First Corinthians, chapter 13, had provided a pattern for loving.

Although I'd known of the Bible through my childhood, I'd never really studied it until I met a Campus Crusade volunteer at college. I still remember feeling incredulous when I looked at her Bible—she'd actually written in it! That said to me: "This has to be something really serious. The writing's in ink." And I got to cherishing the Scriptures as a symbol of hope.

Very soon, Bible characters were enriching my life in many ways. Moses' life reverberated with ideas of courage (see book of Exodus); Abigail's, with seeds of tenderness and unselfishness (see I Sam. 25:14–35); Abraham's, with true greatness and love for humanity (see Gen. 13:8–18). These characters, along with many others in the Scriptures, truly confirmed that "the Bible contains the recipe for all healing" (Science and Health, p. 406). Over the years, I've found this statement to be right on the mark.

The Bible is a book that actually discusses itself, right within itself. For example, it says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim. 3:16). Also this: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15).

Those two guides confirm that each of us has been endowed with the ability to discern what's right, what's good—what's of God, and what's not. This type of study and reasoning enables us to feel God's presence, as well as to understand His instruction—and we can confidently apply His precepts and laws to work out our salvation. What a gift. What a promise! We've got everything we need for our journey through eternity, including many illuminating versions of the Bible to study from.

During the move, I studied as much as I could. The Bible and Science and Health helped me come to terms with this fresh chapter in my life. I felt so grateful to have my spiritual artillery with me: I could pray; go to church; and know that God's eternal ever-presence was with me—and with everyone else I met in the street.

Now, six months later, I'm settled in my new-old home city of New York. Most important, I have that special friend with me, the Bible. Its inexhaustible, ever-unfolding truths are my spiritual compass. And I know that should there be times of trial or conflict, the Word of God will take care of me. There's no situation that the "living Word" hasn't already confronted, addressed, or rectified. I can count on it.

Also, I can revisit the lessons I've learned from other friends—Job, perhaps, when I need to practice great patience and perseverance while learning the lay of the land in a booming, never-sleeping metropolis (see James 5:11; Job 1:6–22); Ruth and Naomi, when I'm engaging with new friends (see book of Ruth); and the compassionate Peter and John, when I encounter strangers in need of solace and healing (see Acts 3:1–10).

The Bible makes it clear that wherever I go, and whatever I feel guided to do in my new environment, my Father goes before me, and secures each step I take. |css