You Are Valued

You are needed and valued. No matter who you are, where you are, what you do! You are God’s beloved. Spirit’s spiritual creation. Love’s blessed idea.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, wrote in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Motives and acts are not rightly valued before they are understood. It is well to wait till those whom you would benefit are ready for the blessing, for Science is working changes in personal character as well as in the material universe” (p. 238).

We who are students of Christian Science working at Wide Horizon strive to maintain our thoughts to be a blessing. We desire that our motives and acts are understood, being both righteous and of value. We work to benefit others. And, we hope our work blesses those we serve.

Every person regardless of faith or status at Wide Horizon is an essential member of the Wide team.  As have many people and organizations which have unimaginable sacrifices during the past 18 months, in efforts to support the health of their communities, and although not on the scale or degree of hospital and healthcare frontline workers, we at Wide Horizon have made similar sacrifices here too. Also, during these unprecedented times, I believe most of us here have learned to better acknowledge and be grateful for God’s, divine Love’s, constant comfort, care and protection. So, whether an employee is a Christian Science nurse or serving in any of our number of supportive positions, each individual is valued. I believe many of us also have recognized the importance of understanding and following Christ Jesus, the “Way-shower” in turning to God more and in practicing Christian activity with purer motives and kinder acts (Science and Health, pp. 30, 497).

At Wide Horizon, we strive to maintain a healing environment here every day. We have daily prayer and Bible study sessions. There are activities which include “Dominion in Movement,” walks on the beautiful grounds, inspirational readings and talks, arts and crafts, community board games. Even with the multiple impositions of regulations and restrictions these past months, we continue our respective working lives as normally as possible, partly because our guests and patients depend on us and Christian Science while relying on God. As a team of wonderful workers, we have also depended on each other.  In order be at our jobs and keep Wide Horizon operating smoothly, each of us has made some personal sacrifices, including our outside activities. Some of us are called on to perform tasks beyond the usual scope of our role and responsibilities at Wide. We’ve needed and need a collective team effort to serve unselfishly.

I believe we’ve done remarkably well. Ultimately, we’ve had to follow current protocols and standards, stay healthy, be at our jobs as scheduled and needed. We’ve had to stay alert and serve with selfless spirit.  There’s been clear evidence of esprit de corps – “a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group” (Oxford Languages). A principle of esprit de corps is that “an organization must make every effort to maintain group cohesion in the organization.” Esprit de corps is a French term which literally means, “the spirit of the body,” with body meaning “group.” (vocabulary.com) This common spirit existing in the members of a group or organization can inspire enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group. (Merriam-webster.com) Wide Horizon has demonstrated this spirit.

A highlight of our work at Wide Horizon has been and is observing the many good works performed by a dedicated staff and the little acts of kindness shown by staff, volunteers, guests and residents. These acts of love by everyone are part of the activity of Christian Science nursing. Each job performed well and unselfishly supports the blessed ministry of Christian Science healing. Divine Love is expressed daily at Wide Horizon. When we selflessly serve Spirit and acknowledge Love being present in our work and lives, we are protected and refreshed each moment. All employees, volunteers, donors and guests are part of the Wide Horizon family. All are therefore needed and valued.

Remember, just as all who serve and/or are cared for at Wide Horizon, you are valued – you are blessed to be a blessing!

D. Brian Boettiger