Lesson 188
The peace of God is shining in me now.
The question that begins our lesson says it all, “Why wait for heaven?” (ACIM Lesson 188 1:1). We can stop reading. We can close our books and just abide here, in the light that shines in all of us.
Heaven is not a thought away, a book away, a workshop away, or anything away. It is right here within us. It is only a shift in perception. You will find many Course students say, “As I read A Course in Miracles, my outer world did not change but my perception of it did.” That is the miracle!
“Enlightenment is but a recognition, not a change at all” (ACIM Lesson 188 1:4).
Since Review V, we have been called to renew our intention behind completing the lessons. Mostly likely, our intention is somewhat similar in purpose, to know God and to know ourselves as God. Lesson 188 invites us to know, understand, and see the light that is shining in each one of us, that part of us that is God. We do not have to wait for it to show itself to us, we only return home to it. Thus, waiting is not a prerequisite, only another distraction.
“The peace of God is shining in you now, and from your heart it extends around the world” (ACIM Lesson 188 3:1).
It is because we are naturally full of the Light of God that we effortlessly give it to the world. This is how we come to understand the art of giving and receiving. We cannot help but extend the light we are.
“The peace of God can never be contained. Who recognizes it within himself must give it” (ACIM Lesson 188 5:1-2).
Yet, we know, all too well, that sometimes we do not feel like the peace of God abides anywhere near us or in us, much less extending from us. Wrap your head around this: that idea is only a thought. Just a thought. It is not true. It is not real, although it may feel like it. It is just an energy you are choosing to play with. A costume you are deciding to try on. This is the meaning, and the experience, of choosing to forget.
Eventually, you will see that your light has been shining all along and that no matter what you do or how you feel, it is always blazing inside you. This recollection may come in the form of your own remembering or by the help of a fellow brother, sister, or spirit guide. No matter the form, it is always a wonderful time to be grateful for the One who sees the Light in you when you have chosen not to. It is amazing and magical how the truth magically becomes alit to our awareness again. Maybe it has been a packaged delivered to your door, a hug from a friend, or a smile from a stranger, that has reflected back to you the light that always flows from the One Heart you share with God.
It is our commitment that assures us that moments like these, when we forget our light, are less frequent, until non-existent. When those moments of uncertainty arise, just say to yourself, “This is just a thought. I am the Light of the World where the peace of God is shining in me now.” It may take a few breaths for the energy to release from the body but it is sure to do so as you release your attachment and belief in such a thought. Once we forgive ourselves and the world for that which it did not do, we open ourselves up to the light that is shining the way for our return.
“We take our wandering thoughts, and gently bring them back to where they fall in line with all the thoughts we share with God” (ACIM Lesson 188 9:2).
Today, we witness the fruit of our commitment by seeing the Light that abides within us. We come to observe that which is sacred and holy within us, remembering the Divine Heaven that waits for us. It is our Truth. It is our Reality. It is our Innocence. You want to know who you are or what you are? Close your eyes. The Light you see is You. Welcome Home, Dear One. Namaste.