Working for the common good: beauty and transformation

Today, we hear sad accounts of service personnel being afflicted with mental problems once they are discharged. One of the most thrilling parts of John H. Wyndham's story is his "changed mental outlook" with his return to civilian life (The Ultimate Freedom, p. 74). This change was a positive one as he pondered the options that lay ahead.

He "waited for some new idea to come to [him]" (ibid). And ideas came! 

Beautiful ideas. After the desolation of the war years, he found he "just could not stop beautifying" (p. 75). He writes that it "appears to be a law that if we improve what we have to the utmost, we inevitably rise to higher achievements" (ibid). 

In his next roles, we discern his burning desire to learn, to develop and expand his talents, and to be a blessing as he, and later his colleagues, strove for the common good. It was proved that "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy).

Here is another discovery Mr. Wyndham shares with his readers: "there is a law of God which supports every normal human footstep for improvement and progress" (p. 87).

Can you imagine the transformation of his workplace's drab, old-fashioned reception room into one which "was a glory of colour and beauty, with new desks, built in seats for clients, and a large coloured illuminated mural of an orchard in blossom" (p. 89)? 

I've just googled "orchard in blossom" and found the most glorious painting by Vincent van Gogh. Maybe the mural looked as spectacular as this painting! (Sorry, copyright does not allow me to reproduce it here.😢)

Ah, this precious little book is such an inspiration every time I open it! 

Julie Swannell

No hate. No fear.

In Australia, Anzac Day is celebrated on April 25 each year. 

For the prisoners-of-war held captive with John H. Wyndham during World War II, one minute of one April 25 would turn out to be like "legions of angels" ministering to them. 

"The spirit of Christ had surely defeated the powers of evil" writes Wyndham (p. 59). 

At Wyndham's request, the camp commandant had agreed to allow the bugler to sound the "Last Post" at 11am and every man (prisoners and guards) on that campus stood to attention in a moment of respect and dignity sorely needed by all.

Julie Swannell

Norman's old-world courtesy

 Don't you love the story of Norman in John H. Wyndham's book "The Ultimate Freedom"?

Wyndham's careful and kind description of his friend shows a gentle respect and camaraderie between the two men, even as they bore the deprivations of life as prisoners-of-war.

Norman "was a cultured man with several degrees, who, in private life, held a high position in government ... [and] ... was well versed in Oriental and European philosophy" (p. 38).

The lowly garb afforded the prisoners could not diminish the glow of "his old-world courtesy [which] shone like a precious stone among the prisoners and even the Japanese, whose processes of thought he seemed to understand thoroughly" (p. 39).

How precious were moments of levity to the prisoners-- and how beautifully drawn is the way Wyndham relates Norman's reluctance to come clean with a delicate issue.

Julie Swannell