Scripture states, “With God all things are possible.” The Gospel of Luke declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) For years, I have seen the seeming impossible overcome numerous times. I’ve no doubt that when I have kept service to God as the high goal before my thought the results of my work and servant leadership have been blessed to bless others.
Faith in God has been my driving modus operandi since I began my role as Administrator at Wide Horizon in February 2003. In addition to The Holy Bible and the extensive writings of Mary Baker Eddy, including her articles “Pond and Purpose” and “The Way,” other books that influenced my style of leadership have included, “Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest,” “One Minute Manager,” “The Spirit to Serve: Marriott’s Way,” “Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships,” “RelationShift,” “Upon This Rock,” and several others, including a remarkable article “The Servants of Spirit.”
Now as I open a new chapter of my professional and personal journey, I reflect on the past to see the present in its full light.
As a former long-distance runner, humanly speaking, it is proven that when one runs, particularly extreme endurance races or longer distances, one burns body fat. But if there’s little fat to burn, then one begins to burn muscle. It is therefore then very difficult to build up additional muscle and physical strength, even with the best habits and training, if one is following a humanly ill-suited model to do so. Yet with God all is possible and the best model for Christian practice, the humble Way-shower, is Christ Jesus. So, what is our model in the work performed at Wide Horizon?
The discoverer and founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy states, “We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually…” She follows this “must” with, “Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love – the kingdom of heaven – reign within us…” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 248). Note that this series of words or spiritual qualities are essential to seeing, living, racing, and working in this divine kingdom – to having a perfect model in thought and therefore in action. This has been my practice during my 20 plus years serving Spirit in my role at Wide Horizon. This has been a most excellent model.
If you will, it is difficult, even unsustainable to run a business, especially a non-profit Christian Science nursing business, when it has to burn up its “fat” or reserves – when the resources (income) are less than what is expended, even when practicing wisdom, economy and brotherly-love. Yet a more spiritual model indicates that supply and demand are spiritual concepts, so therefore supply and demand are governed by divine, not human, economy and laws.
When I ran it was most often a time of silent communion with God, Spirit, and an opportunity to thank our Father for my expression of His presence and power. It was often a holy activity that fed both body and soul, if you will. Now if one runs to glorify God, running for the great prize of Christ (see I Corinthians 9:24), then one runs without being weary (see Isaiah 40:31), for one then thinks on the things of Spirit (see Romans 8:5 and Sermon on the Mount). But one needs to consistently train or practice to stay in condition, that is, demonstrate one’s mental metal by staying the course, while being open to new ideas, methods, paths, routes, and most importantly spontaneous inspiration.
As you know the Scriptures provide much guidance as well as instill us with greater confidence, strength and spiritual understanding.
From 1st Corinthians: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run,…not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection….” (9:24-27)
And from Isaiah: “…they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (40:31)
Lastly from Hebrews: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; …” (12:1)
For the most part, I loved working at Wide Horizon, helping to build a stronger team of selfless servants to Spirit throughout the years. I am grateful to all those who co-elbowed with me in this ministry. I am grateful to fellow employees – too numerous to mention in this blog. I am grateful to all the board members who have served as volunteers. I am thankful for those who chose to run this great race with me – to those who simply show up and do the good work. I have seen new ways and means that are required to stay the course. I have worked collaboratively with a strong team of selfless talented individuals in order to succeed. In this work I have found it is vital to build new spiritual endurance through reliance on Christ to demonstrate and gain the prize of long-term sustainability. So, I ask all you who are reading and thinking to continue this holy collaboration to sustain Wide Horizon and its blessed ministry of Christian Science nursing!
Leadership may change but as golfer and businessman Arnold Palmer once said, “The road to success is always under construction.”
The proverbial road has been long. It’s been a good run!
D. Brian Boettiger
Thank you Brian. Your blog is beautiful and inspiring!