Affection and Purpose of the Heart

Flowering Quince - Richard Quick

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #83

Review: “My only function is the one God gave me.” and “My happiness and my function are one.”

One of my friends has experienced problems getting along with others. In the past, she has had someone she thought of as a best friend leave her in a parking lot declaring that she couldn't stand to be around her another minute. She had no idea what she had done wrong. And so when another such incident happened, I felt this good-hearted, clueless woman deserved to know what was going on and have a chance to examine her actions. She recently told me it was the best gift I could have given her and expressed her sincere gratitude. How did I know what to say to her and when to say it? I think one of the sentences from today's review provides the answer: "With one purpose only, I am always certain what to do, what to say and what to think." As I'm not always certain about this, it must mean that my purpose is not yet single. I've always loved challenges!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are.” Science & Health Page 9:28-30

One Light Brings Peace

photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #82

Review: “The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness” and “Let me not forget my function.”

We all share the same light which brings peace to every mind. It's easy to forget this is true. Darkness often feels as real as light, but it's a mirage. We can go around telling people about light, but that doesn't take away the darkness in a room. By bringing light to a situation, no matter how small the flame, the darkness is dispelled as surely as if the sun were shining. We're like the rays of light from the sun. We are an emanation of the One light: the same essence, with the same function. Unhappy circumstances in life may cause us think we've lost our light, but that can't happen. An eclipse may cover the sun beams temporarily, but they are still there, shining as brightly as ever, although unseen by some. Our function is to remember our true being. We are Love with a capital "L"! By our remembrance of this Source, our function is fulfilled. Our light glows and grows, illuminating peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, "Love thy neighbor as thyself;" annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.”

Science & Health Page 340: 23-29

The Bridge to Forgiveness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #81

Review: "I am the light of the world" and "Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I am currently revisiting a passion from the past: duplicate bridge. I think one of the reasons I have always enjoyed card games is because of the insight they offer into personalities. If you want to really get to know someone, either play cards with them or clean their house — and I know which one I would choose! Today’s lesson review points me toward two things I will utilize in my visits to the card table: extending peace to all and letting go of my belief in separation, otherwise known as forgiveness. This is wonderful practice in releasing the thought that I have a special, specific identify that puts me on another level, either higher or lower, from everyone else. Seeing myself in others can be a sobering activity, but it’s one I’m willing to undertake. What fun life is when I allow it to be a flow of Love and acceptance rather than a battle of beliefs!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers."

Science & Health Page 15:26-27

No Problem!

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #80

"Let me recognize my problems have been solved."

Yesterday we were told that our only problem is thinking we are separate from God. The understanding that it is impossible to be separated from our source solves that seeming problem! This topic caused a close friend to respond to yesterday's writing in the most perfect analogy, and I'd like to share it with you. "Oh that is perfect and just what is needed. I thought of it as a huge sigh...all tensions flowing away, and Peace returning. Our current situation, portrayed in a movie, would be like the moment when Luke Skywalker is led into the roots of that very large tree, meets Darth Vader, responds instantly with a lightsaber swipe and finds that the severed head is his own.  Observing without emotional reference to what we think we know would be a step in the right direction!" I love that she was inspired to write this! Let's all spread this knowledge by living it!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death. The perfect man -- governed by God, his perfect Principle -- is sinless and eternal." Science & Health Page 304:9-15

What IS The Problem?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #79

"Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved."

For someone who says she has no strong opinions, I certainly seem to have lots of them! In a recent conversation, I found myself critiquing a number of restaurants in a most judgmental way, one of which is frequented by many people that I know. Although I am a self-proclaimed "food snob", it hasn't been my habit to put down the opinions of others. And what is the problem with this thinking? I could say that it is my judgment, but actually it is my feeling of separation from divine Love. And so today I shall spend time pondering this lesson which begins with the following words: "A problem cannot be solved if you do not know what it is. Even if it is really solved already you will still have the problem, because you will not recognize that it has been solved. This is the situation of the world. The problem of separation, which is really the only problem, has already been solved. Yet the solution is not recognized because the problem is not recognized." ACIM

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author's experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint."

Science & Health Page 556:25-30

No Room For Grievances

www.EroicaTrio.com

ACIM Workbook Lesson #78

"Let miracles replace all grievances."

Today's lesson asks us to choose one person and see them as God sees them, with pure eyes, rather than with all the muddled grievances we may be holding. I have just returned from an event which made it very easy to see with the eyes of divine Mind because this group of musicians were expressing divine Love to such an extent that they brought us along with them! The Eroica Trio are a cellist, a violinist, and a pianist who enjoy what they’re doing so much that any grievance I may have had toward anyone or anything has been driven from my body with their music and the joy flowing from their eyes. If fear or anger tempt me to join them today, I shall remember this beauty I’ve witnessed — and be at peace. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality.”  Science & Health Page 418:20-22

The Miracle of Love

Mr. Hoggett and Babe

ACIM Workbook Lesson #77

"I am entitled to miracles."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pExCByqi0NU

I’ve spent the last day joyfully celebrating the miracle of connectivity between people. Sometimes we meet someone and it seems as though we’ve known them forever, or perhaps you know a married couple who have been together for decades and still enjoy each others’ company, or maybe you have a childhood friend who has been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. I was recently at the bedside of a woman I’ve been friends with for 50 years. We learned to play the trumpet together and have memories of playing reveille for school flag raising and taps for soldiers’ funerals. I played the piano at her wedding and she held my hand through divorces. Our ties are deep and filled with Love. She is in hospice care and I knew it was our last visit. She was having a hard time talking, so we were sitting quietly and looking into each others eyes. Every moment we ever shared was relived in the space of a few seconds. It was a miraculous communication and I was reminded of Mr. Hoggett singing to Babe in the movie by the same title. And so I sang it to her, and I did his dance in my imagination! Namasté, sweet Friend! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 494:15