Child-like Progress

“He gets earaches often. Here is the medicine to give him, however the medicine causes him to have convulsions;” This instruction, for the foster child we received into our home, was ringing in my ears late one night as he woke with an obvious earache. Is this child destined to live out a series of flux? How can he grow in wisdom and health if answers cause more problems? My desire to bring comfort, not a different discomfort, was strong enough that evening to make me pause and think. I was ready to surrender my mind to God; divine Mind, spiritual intelligence.

I sat cross legged on the floor, holding the child to my heart, rocking slowly. A prayer came to mind and I quietly said, “Father-Mother God, Loving me, Guard me while I sleep, Guide my little feet up to Thee.” (Mary Baker Eddy) The idea of a caring Parent, soothed. The fact this child could be guided to success by spiritual intelligence, brought calm.

I felt a slight transformation in mind. The view that this child’s life was on hold until his parents got their act together was replaced with an image of his spiritual identity. The picture of a bleak future began fading as I respected this child’s bond to the strength and understanding of Father-Mother God. The child was not required to obey a life of turmoil.
It occurred to me to take him to the hospital emergency room instead of give him the medicine that produced bad side effects. However, I looked at the child and found he was sleeping peacefully in my arms. Even when I put him in the crib, he did not stir. Though I was ready to get dressed and go out into the cold night, he continued sleeping. Finally, I returned to rest myself. In the morning, when taking him out of his crib, I noticed his ear had drained onto his pillow. Not only did we happily hug that morning, but every morning after for the next 9 months during which he never had another earache.

I have since appreciated more so an instruction given by Christ Jesus. When his disciples held back children from being touched by Christ, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16–18)

Life includes dynamic possibilities. Children can be touched by Christ to reach a greater potential than what world circumstances outline. And, adults can nurture childlike receptivity within themselves to be inspired by Christ, Truth—increasing spiritual attitudes which improve physical situations. To admit the realm of spiritual intelligence is to admit more opportunities, better health, and useful expectations.