Photo credit: Virginia Hughes & Cristina Minola

Recently we delighted in watching three baby robins hatch, grow, and leave their nest outside a patient’s window. Since then, we have enjoyed pondering lessons from observing their development.

We watched as each bird outgrew his/her surroundings– once while they cracked open their shells and two weeks later when jostling with each other for room in the nest. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Mary Baker Eddy states “…growth is the eternal mandate of Mind” (S&H 520:26) perfectly describing this natural development.

Still, these babies continued to teach us even more lessons for our own spiritual growth:

When speaking of mortals’ own development from sense to Soul, freedom from the material senses, Mrs. Eddy reminds us “They must peck open their shells with Christian Science, and look outward and upward” (S&H, p. 552). What a wonderful call to freedom illustrated by each bird!

As we watched the birds finally flop from their nest, flap their wings, and then take flight, our thought turned to the following words, “Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love” (S&H, p. 66). This is another promise for each of us as we strengthen and prepare our own thought for further advancement.

We can feel assured that through faithful, patient brooding (one definition of which is “to cherish”) God is fostering growth and development – even when it may seem nothing is changing to observation.

The parent birds set a good example not to do for another what he or she can – and needs to – do for himself or herself. (If the parents were to help the hatchlings peck open their shell, it could stunt their efforts.)

They reminded us to nourish continually (with food/spiritual ideas) and to look forward to the day when each dear one has outgrown our nursing care.

Remembering that God is the Father-Mother and Healer, Christian Science nurses and patients can sing together:

And as on wings of faith we soar and worship,
Held by God’s love above the shadows dim,
Hushed in the grandeur of a heart’s awakening,
Unfolds a joy unknown till found in Him.
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 149)

With soaring and singing love,

Marivic B. Mabanag
Executive Director