The Miracle of Grace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

“Jesus had long hair!” As a young woman, I remember shouting this at an older relative who was complaining about the trend in hairstyles for men. I would enter into political arguments gleefully, even looking forward to opportunities to do such. Today I am grateful for the gift of grace which allows me to keep my mouth shut. While going about my business and running errands,  there were at least five statements made in my presence which would have set me off on a tirade of pontification in days gone by. I was not tempted to try to refute these statements, or join in with my own strong opinions. In claiming the grace of Love, it’s natural to witness these discussions, perhaps with sadness or amusement, without having the desire to participate. For this, I am thankful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love.” 

Science & Health Page 494:15

June 18, 2014 - Claiming Grace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

It is so easy to feel put-upon! I awoke this morning to thoughts of what to do about things which had gone awry. A water overflow problem in a building I'm responsible for was foremost in thought. Next I pondered what to do about a printer I had ordered, which had not been delivered although I had been charged for two of them. Rather than fall into a why-me way of thought, I decided to take my time and savor the morning readings and meditations to which I've become accustomed. We are told in today's Course in Miracles workbook lesson that grace is inevitable for the prepared mind. And so I prepared to meet the outside world, with no thought for what that might entail, but with a single-minded desire to be an expression of divine Mind. Soon a dear friend with a wet/dry vacuum and a strong back was helping me with the wet carpet. And he even took me to lunch! I trust I've been led to speak to just the right person to solve the printer delivery maze. By grace I live ...

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Throughout all generations both before and after the Christian era, the Christ, as the spiritual idea, — the reflection of God, — has come with some measure of power and grace to all prepared to receive Christ, Truth." 

Science & Health Page 333:19-23 

June 18, 2013 - Preparing the Ground

"Thorncrown Chapel in
Eureka Springs, Arkansas"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

A goal of these teachings we study is to clear our minds of learned beliefs and behaviors, preparing a clean page for grace to be written. We are told that the reception of grace is past learning, yet it is the goal of learning. It is explained that grace is inevitable for the prepared mind. And so we plow and turn, sow seeds and pull weeds, allow lots of light to enter, water lovingly, and expect high yields from our planting. Yesterday evening, I attended a musical performance in a splendid setting. A fellow attendee said of our experience that she felt cleansed and nurtured. These types of activities are integral to preparation for reception of grace. They enable me to say, "God is, and then cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless."

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the cornerstone of all spiritual building is purity. The baptism of Spirit, washing the body of all the impurities of flesh, signifies that the pure in heart see God and are approaching spiritual Life and its demonstration." 

Science & Health Page 241:24-30