Love Holds No Grievances

ACIM Workbook Lesson #84

Review: “Love created me like Itself.” and “Love holds no grievances.”

Most of us have a list of grievances we can call up in thought at the slightest provocation. In the past, I've held grievances which ranged from deeds of ex-husbands to actions of politicians. I've resented neighbors’ words and blamed friends for perceived betrayals. As I pause and ponder what grievances I may be presently nurturing, only a few come to thought. I'm in the process of asking myself why I feel the need to hold on to these feelings of discontent. I don't have a reason for these resentments; it's just a habit. I do not want to attack Love with these grievances. "Love created me  like Itself" we are told in part of today's ACIM review. If I attack Love with grievances, I am attacking myself. If I am attacking myself, I'm attacking you. I think I'll just stop it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality-- infinite Life, Truth, and Love."

Science & Health Page 518:18-22

The Affection and Purpose of the Heart

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

The Recovery of Life

photo credit: 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.”

I went on a short road trip with a friend today. During our conversations, she told me about her two sons who live in a large metropolitan area. They are filled with anger and fear, exhibiting symptoms of road rage and other senseless emotions related to the way they are interpreting life. This is very distressing to her and she has given up trying to get them to see the light. Later in our conversations, she was talking about her parents and grandparents, and activities which facilitated beauty in their families and surroundings. I asked her if her sons knew these things about their family. She doesn’t think they do, and doesn’t think they would want to hear them. I told her this knowledge might just be the connector needed to allow these young men to remember their function, which is a powerful step in the recovery of Life. Forgiveness heals —

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose ‘light shall we see light;’ and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.” Science & Health Page 510: 9-12

Flow of Love, or Battle of Belief

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

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 my 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. Fiercely competitive activities are a wonderful practice in releasing the thought that I have a special, specific identity which 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: Aaron Springston

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, and the understanding that it is impossible to be separated from our source solves that!  Recognizing that our problems never existed in any way other than belief may seem ridiculous. Most of us can come up with a long list of what we consider to be our problems, and they all seem very real and troublesome. Once again, I am reminded of Don Miguel Ruiz's interpretation of ancient Toltec wisdom in "The Four Agreements". When he asks us to not take anything personally, he gives a rather startling example, telling us that if someone shoots you in the head, not to take it personally, because it's not your problem, it's theirs! Although this seems like an extreme example, there are many things we take so personally that we cannot forgive and release them. Next time I jump onto my "high horse" about something, I will remind myself that I am seeing someone as separated from their Oneness source and remind myself that this could not be possible.

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

The Problem of Being

photo credit: Nick Franchi

ACIM Workbook Lesson #79

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

Are you a list maker? If you have a list of problems which need to be solved, it should be a relief to know there is only one problem and only one solution! If you watch or listen to news and feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world, it is a welcome respite to realize there is only one solution, and that solution is shown through a recognition of the problem. Actually, there is no need to think about a solution, you only need recognize that there is but one problem -- and that realization is, in itself, the solution. Every problem which seems to exist is the result of one thing: a belief in separation from God. I remember a friend had a poster in her office reminding the people who came in that the only reason she wanted to know their problem was as an identifier; after that, she only wanted to hear about solutions. Wayne Dyer wrote a whole book about it: There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. The problem is that I believe I have separated from Source. The solution lies in that recognition!

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

Love Supports the Struggling Heart

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. This person might be a co-worker who seems to find ways to undermine us regularly, or a good friend whose behavior is irritating to us, or perhaps a neighbor who allows his dog to poop in our yard. The circumstance really doesn't matter though, because when we choose to see the miracle of Spirit, the false testimony of material sense disappears. Once we fall into the trap of expecting "bad" behavior from others, that's what we get! Can changing our expectations change the result? Or is the result the same and we're simply seeing it differently? I'm not sure it matters, as seeing a result and trying to change it is not what this way of thought is all about. Our goal is to see with God's eyes, and with that sight we are led to do what needs to be done, no matter the circumstance. We've been taught this by many people throughout time. Gandhi asks us to be the change we wish to see. Rumi advises us to be with those who help our being. Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is within. There are countless ways to see through Love. How do I Love? Let me count the ways! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it. The wintry blasts of earth may uproot the flowers of affection, and scatter them to the winds; but this severance of fleshly ties serves to unite thought more closely to God, for Love supports the struggling heart until it ceases to sigh over the world and begins to unfold its wings for heaven."

Science & Health Page 57:22-30