In this series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.
Celestial feast
As I prayed about this prospect, I began to understand more about what it meant to listen for God’s direction, His leading. I began checking articles in The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel that I’d found instructive to see if their authors were Christian Science teachers. And when I attended a Christian Science lecture, I’d check to see if the lecturer was a teacher.
But what ultimately determined the issue of class for me was something that tugged at the heart: the passing of a dear pupil whom I’d worked with in school. As I sat next to her in the hospital, I found I was not sure exactly what to say or how to pray. It was distressing—I wanted to be helpful, to have a clear spiritual understanding and to be able to comfort her. When I called the hospital the next day and found that she’d passed on, I thought: “That’s it! I must have class.”
Two friends whom I greatly admired had mentioned a particular teacher to me a number of times, so I called and made an appointment to see him. I’ll never forget the day I walked into the house where he and his wife were staying. It had pure white carpets! I’d never seen pure white wall-to-wall carpets. It happened to be the home of the woman who’d invented Liquid
Paper—she was a Christian Scientist, too.
I was ushered into a study, and began my discussion with this kind, serene gentleman. I could immediately sense his deep conviction of God’s allness and goodness, and his enormous love for humanity. He asked me about any healing work I’d done, and I told him of some cases I’d had, including a couple who had asked me to pray for them so that they would not be tempted to drink alcoholic beverages for one month. They did not want to consider themselves alcoholics. I agreed to pray, and they didn’t drink for one straight month! Right away this discerning, witty teacher said: “You mean, they only wanted a … partial healing!” It was a priceless moment for us both.
I was accepted into class and given a preparatory assignment. We were to research and study every major word in the questions and answers about God on pages 465 and 466 of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. It was a most illuminating project, and the precursor of a real celestial feast.
When it came time to make arrangements for the two-week class, I learned that no public school teacher (I was one) could miss either the first or last week of the school year—and as it happened, Primary class commenced that very last school week. When I told my supervisor of my need, he told me I would have to be untruthful, to make up some excuse. I was surprised, but undaunted. I knew that class was a right activity, and that such a forward step could never include dishonesty. We decided that I would speak to my supervisor’s supervisor for his consent. I did so, and he too said no, as did his superior!
Finally, I reached the superintendent of the biggest school district in the state. He invited me into his office, where I told him that I wanted to take Christian Science class instruction but would have to miss the final week of school. Shortly, he announced: “My secretary is a Christian Scientist and she hasn’t missed a day of work in 12 years! Yes, you may have the week off.” And I was even paid for the week. Later, I learned that my Christian Science teacher had done much prayer for the expedient and safe arrival of his new flock.
Oh, what I learned in class! It was the fresh beginning of Love’s grand adventure, of an indispensable, ongoing journey, filled with healing, discovery, and God’s ever-present Love. I learned that humility, giving, consecration, and persistence were among the most important keys to spiritual growth. I learned that the Bible and Science and Health hold the recipe for all healing. The “final learn:” Our Father-Mother God forever holds us in His-Her ever-embracing love, compassion, and might. Could we need or want more?
