November 1, 2011

ACIM Lesson #305
“There is a peace that Christ bestows on us.”

St Elizabeth's from woodland trail
photo by Dale Johnson

[Marsha's thoughts]

Absolutely any situation can be filled with peace. There are accounts of people in the direst of situations facing them calmly, with a seeming other-worldly and detached sense of peace. The last time someone yelled obscenities at me in the street, I was very pleased to find myself witnessing the scene without emotion. When the day comes that I don't even remember this circumstance occurred, then I will be seeing with the Christ's vision. Today I visited with a couple who are in the midst of a life-changing disease. When I walked in their home, the first thing I felt was an all-encompassing peace. My dear friend related how amazed she was by the leaves falling from the trees this autumn. She stated that they took care of themselves; that she never raked, but they went where they needed to be and changed to whatever form is required of them -- soil, protection for seedlings, shelter for insects and small animals. She sees perfection in this plan and knows that same perfection is taking place in all existence. Deep and quiet peace is everywhere. I am grateful to have experienced this peace today.

Mary Baker Eddy poem:
“Satisfied”
It matters not what be thy lot,
So Love doth guide;
For storm or shine, pure peace is thine,
Whate'er betide.


And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,
God able is
To raise up seed — in thought and deed —
To faithful His.


Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence!
Our God is good.
False fears are foes — truth tatters those,
When understood.

Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,
Ayont hate's thrall:
There Life is light, and wisdom might,
And God is All.


The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,
God's glorified!
Who doth His will — His likeness still —
Is satisfied.
(Poems by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 79)