Lesson 123
I thank my Father for His gifts to me.
It is no coincidence that our statement is paired with today’s Lesson 123, as our concept is as easy to remember as 1-2-3, just as simple and as elegant, leaving us with no better use of time than a day full of gratitude. We were introduced to a similar concept in Lesson 40, “I am blessed as a Son of God,” as we contemplated the blessings given us as Children of God.
I am blessed as a Daughter of God.
I am smart and intelligent.
I am blessed as a Son of God.
I extend love through my smile to those I meet.
I am blessed as a Daughter of God.
I am healthy and whole.
I am blessed as a Son of God.
I have an abundant life.
Since Lesson 40, we have explored our darkened areas, sifted through our attack thoughts, and sat in silence waiting for the Voice of God. In our courageous efforts, we have always been met with the perfect love of God. We have continuously been shown for 122 lessons that we are never alone and have never left our true Home. Could there possibly be anything greater to be thankful for than God’s gifts of eternal Light?
“Give thanks that He has not abandoned you, and that His Love forever will remain shining on you, forever without change. Give thanks as well that you are changeless, for the Son He love is changeless Himself. Be grateful you are saved. Be glad you have a function in salvation to fulfill. Be thankful that your value far transcends your meager gifts and petty judgements of the one whose God established as His Son” (ACIM Lesson 123 3:1-5).
The act of gratitude holds much power and the innate ability to transform. Per our lesson yesterday, it can even aid in the miracle of forgiveness as we tell our bothers and sisters, “Thank you for your part in the remembrance,” rather than the worldly tradition of saying, “I forgive you.” Gratitude also has the power to uplift one’s day and the power to change anyone’s mood. There have even been articles written stating that they key to a committed relationship is art of saying, “thank you,” and that those two small words can add to the longevity of a committed partnership. Thus, it is with thanks that we take our next step in miracles and dedicate today to the infinite potential of gratitude.
“Today we seize on everyone we see, and walk with lightened footsteps as we go to do what is appointed us to do” (ACIM Lesson 123 4:3).
Gratitude is the perfect model for the cycle of giving and receiving. As we give thanks to our Creator for our bountiful gifts, in return we receive that same gratitude yet more abundantly, for God only wants to give us Her limitless and endless bounty, as it is our birthright. It is in this manner that time is used wisely, increasing the ripples of appreciation throughout the cosmos, other dimensions, and even extending further beyond what we know as time and space. Gratitude surely facilitates the holy instant.
“Receive the thanks of God today, as you give thanks to Him. For He would offer you the thanks you give, since He receives your gifts in loving gratitude, and gives them back a thousand and a hundred more than they were given. He will bless your gifts by sharing them with you” (ACIM Lesson 123 6:2-4).
“This holy half an hour given Him will be returned to you in terms of years for every second; power to save the world eons more quickly for your thanks to Him” (ACIM Lesson 123 7:3).
As we thank our Mother Father God, we recognize that we also give thanks to ourselves. We commend ourselves for our courage thus far to commit to these lessons thus enabling us to receive such blessings. In order for the cycle of love to be complete, we must show up. It is our presence that encloses the cycle, as without our presence, who would be there to hear the Voice of God.
“His Word is soundless if it be not heard. In thanking Him the thanks are yours as well” (ACIM Lesson 123 4-5).
Thus, do you see your essential part in God’s Will? Today, be thankful that this is so and for the vigilant steps you have taken to return to your Creator. It is in this gratitude that your journey is surely softened and shorter. It is through the light of appreciation that you see the glory that is the remembrance and the celebration that arises as you return Home. It is as easy as 1-2-3.
In addition to the suggested practice periods, let the numbers 1,2, & 3, albeit singular or all together, remind you of the gratitude and gifts your Mother Father God shares with you. This is where we can become an example of “living thanks,” which is part of living the ultimate freedom. When we are grateful for everything, there is nothing not to be grateful for, thus nothing to fear nor anything to attack us. In recognizing we are blessed, and not cursed with unfortunate events or judgments, do we experience we are truly and holy forever free.
“Remember hourly to think of Him, and give Him thanks for everything He gave His Son, that he might rise above the world, remembering his Father and his Self” (ACIM Lesson 123 8:2).
As we close with the association of gratitude and freedom, I leave you with this song by Garth Brooks, We Shall Be Free. It is through the art of giving and receiving being as one are we shown how gratitude truly can set us free. I am ever grateful for you and the courage you have taken to uphold your role in the salvation of the world. It is through your gratitude and freedom, that I am also free and aware of my blessings. Without you, none of This would be. Namaste.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtgdA7uhFTI