Our best resource
One of the most helpful things we can do for our children is make them aware of their available resources. So when it comes time to complete a task, they know where the appropriate tools are to get the job done successfully. When it’s play time, for example, it’s good to know where the toys are; for reading, a good book; for chores, a little willingness and maybe a dust cloth.
Of course, when the task at hand is a problem, we really want our kids to know about the best resource available, one that will handle the situation quickly and peacefully. For me, and countless others, the most reliable and consistent resource there is, is God: “Our father which art in heaven” (Matthew), “a very present help in trouble” (Psalms).
Because He is the “great I AM; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal…” (Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures), it would be most helpful for kids to know how to access this mighty source. It would be most reassuring for them to be so familiar, so comfortable, so confident about this higher power that it becomes their go-to … not only in times of trouble for answers, but in times of joy for celebration. And here’s the thing, since God is Spirit, He is ever-present and can be found anywhere, anytime. So all anyone really needs to do is turn his/her thought to Him and listen. And, good news, like most skills, the more we practice, the better we get, and the easier it becomes.
So how does this spiritual resource work? Well, the writer of Psalms 91 (an excellent prayer in times of trouble, by the way) assures us that God gives His angels charge over us. Angels are spiritual ideas, messages from God, speaking directly to each one of us; they’re happening all the time. When we listen with our whole heart, we hear these good ideas right in our own thinking. Regarding these angel messages Eddy writes, “God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies” (Mis p.307). That means His ideas are practical, individual, and helpful. That’s how we know they’re from God.
Nurturing our children’s spiritual awareness helps ensure their access to the best resource available when they need it; it also helps grow spiritual understanding, which in turn, leads to more effective problem solving, peacemaking, and healing. It’s not only the most helpful thing we can do for our children, it’s the most helpful thing we can do for our home, our community, and our world.
I Go With God
A story that nurtures awareness of the power of prayer and every child’s natural ability to hear God.