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| "Montana Lake" photo by Aaron Springston |
A Course in Miracles Lesson #197
“It can be but my gratitude I earn.”
Why is it harder to see ourselves as God than to see God as ourselves? We are always projecting our silly ways onto God, thinking that we must earn forgiveness from the One which knows nothing of this mortal idea. We are so accustomed to projecting our feelings onto others that we don't realize we're doing this with our ideas of God, too! Correcting our perception allows us to give freely. Strength is found in this way of thought. We release illusions of victimhood and weakness when we replace them with Love. I haven't felt like a reflection of God lately. and hence haven't been acting as such. Today's words in the ACIM workbook lesson speak to why these feelings occur. Basically, we are accepting as truth outside forces opposed to our own inner knowing of Truth. As a result, I may expect praise and reciprocal action to come my way. Or perhaps I pat myself on the back for being so kind and giving, but then think bad thoughts about someone for not accepting my goodness and returning it to me in a way I expect. This is but an example of mistaken identity on my part. God does not conditionally give Love to us, withdrawing it if we don't return it or share it. When we accept ourselves as part of that One, we cannot do this either. Anytime we catch ourselves giving what we think of as forgiveness and then wondering why we haven't had gratitude lavishly poured out to us for the presents we think we've given, let's step back and see what our motives truly are. What is given of ourselves in Truth cannot be given falsely. It's easy to become confused in this world of duality. It becomes necessary to regularly examine our motives behind our acts. How often I have convinced myself that I'm acting from Love, when actually I'm just trying to get my way. Even though I know it's my true nature to express Love, God, often I find that what I'm calling love is no more than self-serving manipulations. So as I sit in prayerful meditation today, I ask to discern the difference. But, also, I will know that even when I forget my function, God has not. And since there is no outside force fighting against my true being, I am free to be as I Am.
Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Science will correct the discord, and teach us life's sweeter harmonies.”
Science & Health Page 60:27–28
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