"Flood-tides of Love"

Dear Michael,

I really enjoyed reading the beginning of "Christian Science Practice" with you last night (one of my favorite chapters in Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health with key to the Scriptures). As we read, I was reminded me of one the most wonderful healings I've ever witnessed. It occurred when I was a senior counselor at Cedars Camps--I think it was the summer that we were there together (when we baked cookies on our day off, and you embarrassed me by singing "I just met a girl named Maria" in the shower). I was in charge of the Bobolink cabin--home to energetic nine-year olds. One Sunday afternoon, a little girl was dropped off by her parents with a long list of things they didn't think she would be able to do--ride horses, play running games, sleep on the top bunk. Casey struggled with asthma, and it seemed like the next two weeks were indeed going to be very trying for her--breathing was difficult and getting her to sleep that first night took time, prayer and lots of hymn singing.

The next morning we went to visit Marjorie at PAL house. (PAL stands for "Practitioner's Are Loving.") Wasn't it wonderful to have a Christian Science practitioner on site to help pray with campers and counselors when needed! Marjorie agreed to pray for Casey and referred me to Science and Health where it says, "The way to extract error from mortal mind is to pour in truth through flood-tides of Love." And, "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love." (We read this second quote last night.) With her prayers, Marjorie would be pouring in the truth--affirming Casey's unlimited abilities as God's daughter. My job was to help with the "flood-tides of love" and "pitiful patience" with Casey's many many fears.

All the counselors and even Casey's cabin mates helped pour in the love. Her friends so naturally and patiently encouraged her to participate in camp activities. Horseback riding seemed to be Casey's biggest fear. I wondered if we'd ever get her to the corral. She simply refused to even consider getting on a horse. Looking forward to some quiet time alone in the cabin, I asked "What do we do now God?" The idea came to use my period off to go horseback riding with Casey--a shower and nap could wait. Casey agreed to give it a try; and the ride was a turing point in her experience. Nights got easier, and she actively participated in games, dances, and campouts. At the end of the session, Casey rode solo in the horse show, was sleeping soundly on the top bunk, and all traces of asthma were completely gone--washed away by prayer and those sparkling, purifying "flood-tides of Love."

So, dear husband, as we pack this week for our upcoming camp adventures, I want to remember to put "pitiful patience" and "flood-tides of Love" on top of the long underwear, water bottles, and sleeping bags--on top and ready to pull out and put to immediate, moment by moment use. And, this time around, it's OK by me if you sing in the shower.

I love you! Hugs and kisses,
Maria

Not Urgent

Hi Friend,

How’s your weekend going? When I woke up yesterday morning, life just felt different. There were lots of things to be done. I had overslept and needed to be out the door soon, but I didn’t feel a sense of urgency about anything. The calm atmosphere in my home was almost startling. This has been an emotional week for my family. We all fell into the trap of urgency at the same time. Heidi’s heart pleaded for opportunities to change the world NOW. Lincoln rushed home from school to play his new Pokemon video game. My need to write and to find the voice of my blog felt imperative. My emails begged for quick replies. It was as if I was afraid that my thoughts would disappear forever if not instantly communicated. There wasn’t anything wrong with any of our desires, but at times we let the desires consume us. I found myself writing when I should have been making dinner, scribbling notes on a piece of paper during a concert rather than listening, making careless mistakes at work. Looking back, I see several times when spiritual intuition had suggested that I approach or do things differently, but distracted by my untempered zeal I didn't listen, and regrettably I ended up at times being less than kind and compassionate to my family and friends.

I think maybe we were caught up in society’s demand for instant gratification—text and instant messaging, cell phones, faxes, fast food. Sometimes things do need immediate attention, but I realized nothing needs to feel urgent. Last week was a wake up call to remember to trust God to take care of every detail--to put everyone and everything in the right place at the right time. I need to be patient, to savor ideas and let them evolve.

I can’t say our weekend has been without its hairy moments, but I’ve kept remembering and finding my way back to that Saturday morning peace. Today, Heidi and Michael are off protesting the treatment of circus animals with some new friends. Lincoln beat his Pokemon diamond game, and I unexpectedly found another blog.

Enjoy the rest of your Sabbath.

Much love,
Maria

Postscripts: I like Paul’s advice in Hebrews (12:1), “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us...,” and from James (1:4), “…let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” I don't think "urgent" was in Jesus' vocabulary. When he heard that Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus were seriously ill, he didn’t rush to their sick beds. By the time Jesus arrived, they had died; but it wasn't too late to raise them from the dead, proving not only the healing power of the Christ but also the immortality of life.