Lesson 81
Review II: Introduction
Our next step in a Walk in Miracles brings us to another review. This is not a pause in our work but rather a deepening. It is a time to notice that we are always surrounded by the remembrance of God’s Love. It never takes the same shape thus we harness our awareness to awaken to the Voice of God in each moment. Our first review (Lessons 51 – 60) was a means of solidifying our commitment. As we have grown in our remembrance, with commitment as our foundation, we now focus on listening and application. We have been sold on the remembrance, now it is time to take steps in actually living it.
We take more time to reflect on each lesson during this period of review as each day will be devoted to two previous lessons per day: one to be given our attention the first part of the day and the second, the latter part. Much of our practice is about listening. We are taking the time to allow the word of God to arise in the silence. Our shorter practice periods become a time of application. Thus, we find ourselves in the cycle of listening for Truth then observing the opportunities we are given to live the Truth throughout the day. I do not think there could be a better way to live.
“Regard these practice periods as dedications to the way, the truth, and the life. Refuse to be sidetracked into detours, illusions and thoughts of death. You are dedicated to salvation. Be determined each day not to leave your function unfulfilled” (ACIM Workbook Lesson Review II, Introduction 5:1-4).
There are many points throughout our journey Home when we want to stop and not go on any further. One may find that it is tough to commit to doing the lessons in A Course in Miracles each day when the world shows us more distractions and lack of apparent time. But these are actually reasons to strengthen our determination. I understand the challenges but I encourage you to continue, even on those days when you feel half-hearted. Even on those days there is still a Higher Power working for your greatest good and all She is asking is for you to show up. And on a spiritual journey some days that is all we can do, just show up.
Another piece of encouragement is that you are now 81 days in. Your foundation is solid and the habit is set. Studies have shown that to incorporate a new habit in your life it takes at least 21-28 days to do so. You are well passed that. Why go back and have to make it over that hump again? If you keep going and growing you don’t have to spend your energy stopping and starting, instead you can use that energy elsewhere, like experiencing more miracles.
Since our last review we have experienced the miracle of our only function, forgiveness. We have practiced releasing what prevents us from our function, our grievances, and in turn joining with God’s Will. Recognizing our Light has also opened us to the only law that matters, the law of God. We have strengthened our Sacred Sight and seen that the only problem we thought we had is already solved, the atonement. In your determination to See, more and more miracles await you.
This review is deepening our experience with the Voice of God and listening for how that sweet Voice speaks to our hearts. As I have shared with you in the first review, on my journey with A Course in Miracles and other inspired texts, I have become aware of the Divine Conversation that takes place around me. God is always communicating with me in diverse ways of how She supports my steps Home. Often as I go about the classroom of life, I recognize a sign, a decal, a t-shirt, a piece of street art, or other such artifact that continuously speaks to me as a reminder that “I Am the Light of the World” (ACIM Lesson 61).
I love hearing how others hear, feel, and experience the presence of the Creator. I recently spent time with two sisters from the order of the Sisters of Mercy. I asked both of them, “How does God present Herself to you?” I loved their responses. One sister said, “In the silence. Always in the quiet. And through dogs.” The other sister replied, “God presents Himself/Herself in those that walk through the doors of our retreat center. God also speaks to me through nature when I am outside working on the Prayer Path.” As we continued our conversation we finally came up with the fact that we are always in conversation with God and when we think we are not, that is when we are no longer aware. I feel that is so true. Our conversation with the One is always happening. It is us that turn it off.
On my journey as I have witnessed the eternal conversation of remembrance, I started to see this energy getting my attention through various animate and inanimate objects. I guess nothing is off-limits to the Holy Spirit when used for the good of higher consciousness. I started to take photos of the never-ending conversation that was appearing in front of me and that is what I share with you during this review as it relates to each lesson.
May these pictures and words in the review inspire you to notice in what ways Source is trying to get your attention. We all have different experiences of the One Love. How does She present Herself to you? Participate with Her, there is so much she wants to share with you, albeit through other people, pictures, decals, t-shirts, music, art, etc. There is nowhere the conversation is not happening.
I honor your presence and Light during our walk together. Your miracle is my miracle and vise versa. As you claim your salvation you also give me the gift of the same. I am grateful for your commitment, determination, and good will as we take consciousness beyond the limits we once perceived. In our individual peace, there inevitably is world peace.
Namaste.
Lesson 61
I am the light of the world.
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
-Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
Lesson 62
Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world.
