Uplifting Ideas (Rooted in Prayer)

Contributed by Heidy Boyman, CS

 “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitation…” (Isaiah 54:2)

From living in a pup tent as we traveled cross-country to establish our first home as a newly married couple, I have learned—and am still learning—how important it is to pray about my “tent”: its size, its location, and, most importantly, what and who it will include!

As a new member of The Willows community, it quickly became apparent that this “tent” embraces and evidences thoughtful acceptance of its residents.

First impressions have held true, as I continue to see and witness the generous ways we are encouraged “to give of our heart’s rich overflow”—examples of which you’ll read about in this newsletter.

I’ve asked myself, “Just how wide is our embrace, and how is it evidenced?” I like to remind myself of Biblical figures who opened the way for blessings to extend far beyond geographical borders. Take, for example, Joseph, who averted catastrophe and ended a famine; Moses, who liberated the people of Israel from slavery; and Jesus, who, through his healing example, encouraged contact even with the Pharisees.

And consider our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who challenges us in this way: “True prayer…is learning to love and to include all mankind in one affection.” (No and Yes, p. 39:17–18)

Further recognizing the liberating presence of divine Love, she requested “that every member of The Mother Church... pray each day for the amicable settlement of the war between Russia and Japan; and pray that God bless that great nation and those islands with peace and prosperity.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 279:22)

We live in a world of constant news cycles drawing attention to political, social, and economic unrest. So how do we help establish a tent that offers peace, contentment, health, and a satisfying plenty for all? If we resonate with this deep, earnest desire, we will embrace the demands it makes on us and become part of a healing outreach. Obedience to pray daily, as Mrs. Eddy, in the Church Manual (p. 41:19), is a good place to start.

Each member of The Willows community has a story to tell—of kindness felt, an unselfed deed performed, or a generous outreach that lifted one’s spirit, bringing joy and healing—all as the result of “some daily good to do to Thine, for Thee; An offering pure of Love whereto God leadeth me.” (From a poem titled “Christ My Refuge”, written by Mary Baker Eddy and found in Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 p. 396)

With this put into daily practice, we certainly have a sound basis for “enlarging our tent, and lengthening the curtains of our habitation”—bringing forth blessings that must, and will, reach widely to all mankind.