SPIRITUAL LENS

Home

This issue explores Principia’s expression of home. On the front lines of this home away from home, Houseparents at the School and Residential Counselors at the College provide nurturing and guidance while enabling students’ authentic individuality to shine. We asked these professionals to share their inspiration around home.

What is home to you?

 

• Tessa Miller (US'12, C'16), School Houseparent: “Home is the consciousness of good” (Christian Science Hymnal, no. 497). I love this quote because it describes the nature of home. Home is not a place we go; home is where we feel loved and like we belong. Home is with our dearest friends, our passions and interests, on the stage or field, home is with those we love. And as it is our job as children of God to love God and love one another, we are always at home, always in the kingdom and safety of Love’s home.
   
• Marcus Stanley (US’02), School Director of Residential Life: I understand home to be my spiritual center, not a physical place but the whole and complete understanding of God’s infinite and unconditional Love. A spiritual concept of home is a strong and steadfast foundation that enables and enhances the outward expression of joy, compassion, and good, while simultaneously being a loving and warm embrace that inspires, rejuvenates, and uplifts our spirits.
   
• Mark Hagenlocher (US’84, C’89), College Interim Dean of Students: It’s about being spiritually grounded. For me, that means living Christian Science—embracing the students and turning to God. By being spiritually grounded, I know I’ll have what I need to meet someone else’s needs. And turning to God provides a sense of calm and peace and joy, whether you have physical challenges, or relationship challenges, or work challenges. That’s how we build the home atmosphere at the College. 

 

What citation inspires your expression of home?

 

• TM: “Home is not a place but a power. We find home when we arrive at the full understanding of God.” (Irving C. Tomlinson, Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy, Amplified Edition, p. 211). I love this! It reiterates the truth that the Christ idea is ever present with us so long as we recognize its allness in our lives. Home is an irrefutable truth, ever present in our experience. God is our home, and God is all, therefore, home is ever-present, ever-near, ever-loving.
   
• MS: I love the words of Hymn 278: “Pilgrim on earth, home and heaven are within thee, Heir of the ages and child of the day Cared for, watched over,beloved; Walk thou with courage each step of the way” (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 278). It serves as a calming and gentle reminder that God is the source that protects, cares for, and loves our students and to trust that our thoughts and actions are harmoniously guided by one Mind.
   
• MH: I ground my day in gratitude. It doesn't have to be high and lofty, just being grateful—living gratitude. "Angels' Song" is a favorite: "This is the day the Lord hath made; be glad give thanks, rejoice" (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 342).  

 

How does spirituality in the home environment improve the rest of our lives?

 

• TM: Recognizing the true spiritual nature of home allows us to feel freedom and belonging in all aspects and circumstances of our lives. Look for home, look for Love, look for good and you can never be lacking, alone, or afraid. Love and home is always present and at hand right now.
   
• MH: Doing my daily protective work is so critical. You always have to be ready for any issue. How do I meet the student where they are in a loving supportive manner? And the gratitude piece is powerful: being truly alive to all the good surrounding us. Nine times out of 10, a sense of gratitude opens up everything else—whether it’s an opportunity or a new view of a challenge. It uplifts us, moves us forward, and makes us ready to experience more good.