Cradled obscurity

As we move closer to the start of a new year what are you anticipating, what unfolding of good do you expect to see, and what fruition of your prayers? How are you nurturing the 'new ideas' in your life, your family, your career, your church activities?

We all saw the world's view of the arrival of Jesus as told in the Nativity story. Many homes and places of worship set up scenes of the holy family welcoming the Christ child in the stable and later the arrival of the Magi who had travelled far to honor the new king. It may have been a gift of grace that there was no room at that crowded inn so the birth could take place in privacy in a quiet setting. Is that how you are nurturing the things you have been praying about? Have you set a new cherished idea in 'cradled obscurity' where it can be lovingly cared for and protected? Many of our demonstrations have humble beginnings as we pray for a clearer understanding of God and our relationship with Him as He very image and likeness.

As you look ahead to 2014 are you embracing a new thought about yourself, your family, your marriage, your job, a relationship, an opportunity to serve church? This may be a time for that 'cradled obscurity' as you quietly protect and nourish that spiritual growth. Let it have a humble beginning with your daily commitment to see it come into  being. Let's have a spiritual concept about it, a spiritual conception of what it stands for in your life.

As things move forward with this new idea, pray daily to see it 'grow and wax strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and grace. Let it 'emerge gently',  not necessarily slowly, but gently. There is no need to force growth. Let those roots go deep to support it.

Considering all Mrs. Eddy struggled with and overcame to write Science and Health and see it published, all she did to establish her church, giving us the Manual for guidance, and launching a world wide movement she named Christian Science, think about the humility she had to say that God had been 'graciously preparing her' for her accomplishments. She always put her hand in His and trusting His guidance and direction.

May each of us move forward in 2014 in our own spiritual growth, welcoming and nurturing the new ideas that come to live with us. May we cradle them and watch them grow strong in spirit and grace. May we feel graciously prepared for what lies ahead. And may we express gratitude in our thoughts and actions with joy and gladness.