Movement of Infinite Mind Expands Faith in Humanity by Cheryl Petersen

Daania and I met while outdoors on a walking trail. At first, we crossed paths and echoed to one another “have a great day.” But sometimes we paced our journeys together, engaged in conversation, and got to know one another. Daania does not celebrate Christmas. I do. We both celebrate the forces that move us with love and truth.

One day, Daania and I moved with swift steps because the weather outside was frigid. The frosty air did not keep us from talking. Even though heavy scarves were double wrapped around our mouths and ears, we proved skilled at interpreting our muffled chit-chat.

When Daania uttered words that offered an interest in learning to play the violin, I interpreted the words to mean that she would practice the violin if she had one. But this stirred my emotions wildly. Not because it was almost Christmas Day and gift giving was expected, but because I had been keeping an unused violin in the closet for sentimental reasons.

It was special. I loved the violin’s tone and played it for nearly two decades. Sometimes, my husband would play his guitar, or our daughters would play the piano along with me bowing the strings. But it was inside the closet because our now adult children had given me a new violin, of higher quality, and I cherish it.

So, why did it feel difficult to give my old violin away when the idea and opportunity walked beside me in the form of a woman pregnant with the wholeness of the melodic spirituality that resonates universally?

Despite hesitation, it was my faith in humanity that compelled me to invite Daania to our house and give her the revered violin. She received it with joy and gratitude. You’d think that I would have been as joyous and grateful but, honestly, my emotions needed healing. I felt a loss.

For restoration, I applied a metaphysical system branded, Christian Science, by a 19^th century woman, Mary Baker Eddy. The system explains the movement of logic and divine inspiration as interpreted through infinite truth and love, fully supporting humanity and kindness. In other words, reason is not used to interpret revelation or vice versa but both are interpreted by means of the divine.

Eddy also founded a church, but she fades with history as the church enforces cherished rituals and words. I was part of that rigid veneration until about twenty years ago when despite my good memories I removed myself from the church rites and began updating Eddy’s main book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. I continue revising and see that Christian Science or Mary Baker Eddy cannot be restricted to formalities and the wild and wooly human language. The experience remains rich and rewarding. After giving away the violin, I expected to expand this experience for myself, for feminine relationships, and for spiritual practices.

Joy and gratitude are spiritual, sharable and shared. Always and in all ways. Whether I am dealing with a violin, verb, or vegetable, said items cannot take away or give joy and gratitude, sourced in fulfilling and fulfilled infinite love and truth.

It reminds me of the nativity story as found in the Gospel of Luke. Before Mary birthed Jesus, an angel told her what was going to happen. The promise was fulfilled. How?

Adapting the “how” to my circumstance, I asked, whether I birth a child, song, or text, how do I identify this offspring as a promise fulfilled? I looked at the same message given Mary, Mother of Christ.

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the [Daughter] of God.” Luke 1:35, English Standard Version.

As the daughter of infinite spirit, when practicing the violin, I am not playing an instrument as much as I am practicing joy, gratitude, and harmony. With each thought, with each movement of the bow, the sense of loss fades and I identify the ongoing birth of Christ, truth and love. My faith in humanity expands to a better understanding of moving with the infinite reality that cannot lose an iota of goodness.