Years ago, when I began my tenure at Wide Horizon, as a man of prayer, I clearly felt I was being guided by God to the field of Christian Science nursing. I came into this work from being in the public ministry as a Christian Science practitioner, and prior to that as a camp director, an educator and a retail business manager. Therefore, running (although I’m a former long-distance runner) the day-to-day operations of a non-profit corporation was a completely new experience and a tremendous opportunity. I felt fully committed to the role as an Executive Director, though the learning ascent was steep. I quickly learned (and continue to learn) the degree of humility and patience required in this role when working with different board and/or staff members, as well as the mental strength, perseverance and persistence necessary. Believe me there were times during these 18 years that I’d seriously question if I was still the right fit for the organization.
I typically approached issues seeking a prayer-based solution. Listening, spontaneity and trust were key to problem-solving. It was always important to practice wisdom, economy and brotherly-love in most aspects of making sound business decisions in the best interests of a relatively small non-profit company. Striving for harmonious and unified outcomes was desired, though not always evident. There have been certainly times when I’ve either ignored intuition or not listened to God quite enough for His direction before diving headlong into human discussions, but I usually approached such discussions with equanimity and empathy, even when fully disagreeing with another position on an issue – agreeing to disagree at times.
That said, I know without doubt that I’ve been good for Wide Horizon and Wide Horizon has been good for me and my family. Among the many facets and opportunities of the job, there have been successful capital campaigns, multi-million dollar building projects, enduring professional relationships, selfless strong teamwork, countless healings and a lot of spiritual growth. And, over the years, I’ve spent a great deal of thought reading, studying and pondering various writings from diverse sources and authors. One that relates to this topic is:
“God could not make imperfect man, His model infinite; Unhallowed thought He could not plan, Love’s work and Love must fit.” (Christian Science Hymnal, 51)
I truly believe it was divine Love leading me into this work, and I believe this perfect Love formed the right fit to meet the needs of the organization and me personally. I believe it was God’s plan. And, I know I have given my heart and soul to the work (sometime to my personal detriment), giving much thought to issues, decisions and steps forward. Also, I know all change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. Yet I know desired change often propels movement forward if true progress is to occur. So, I strive to do our heavenly Father’s will, listen to His voice and feel more at peace, particularly during this past year of extreme challenges yet lined with new opportunities.
As I stated last week, there’s always room to grow and do better. And, I thank those who came before me, those who mentored me, those who have co-elbowed with me, those who have supported me. Also, I thank our heavenly Father for His son, Christ Jesus – to whom Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, wholeheartedly followed and referred to as the “Way-shower.” (Science and Health with key to the Scriptures, pp. 30, 288, 497)
She wrote, “The Christ-element in the Messiah made him the Way-shower, Truth, and Life” (288), and, in the religious tenets of Christian Science, “We acknowledge Jesus’ atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man’s unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower…” (497).
My desire to feel this holy oneness and to humbly follow our Master – seeking his way in Truth, Life, and Love – keeps me going and helps me to show up to do this good work in the field of Christian Science nursing. Thus, the fit has been and continues to be right!
D. Brian Boettiger
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