“Do you not think the world needs peace as much as you do? Do you not want to give it to the world as much as you want to receive it? For unless you do, you will not receive it. If you want to have it of me, you must give it. Healing does not come from anyone else. You must accept guidance from within.” A Course in Miracles, T-8.IV.4.1-6.The events of the world are being brought to our attention in order for us to heal old beliefs that no longer serve us. Our part is to bring light to the darkness. I recognize this and want to be part of the solution. Then it became personal, and the rubber hit the road when I began to witness a series of holiday memories that started around noon on a recent Sunday and continued until midnight. I finally got the message and knew that I was being given an opportunity to heal my past belief that Christmas was a time when I had a lack of energy, time, and money. The holidays were starting to come toward me like the light on the front of a speeding train that is out of control, and the resistance would begin. Anxiety took the place of peace until I realized that this year could be different.
The way to heal is through forgiveness, and I turned to Lesson 121 in A Course in Miracles, “Here is the answer to your search for peace. Here is the key to meaning in a world that seems to make no sense. Here is the way to safety in apparent dangers that appear to threaten you at every turn, and bring uncertainty to all your hopes of ever finding quietness and peace. Here are all questions answered; here the end of all uncertainty ensured at last. The unforgiving mind is full of fear, and offers love no room to be itself; no place where it can spread its wings in peace and soar above the turmoil of the world.” After reading these powerful words, I began my meditation and forgave myself for setting expectations, judging someone else’s behavior, and thinking that I had to do everything perfectly. I let go of the memories and wiped the slate clean. This year, I will create new memories, remain in the present moment, and affirm the presence of love in all situations. Will you join me?
A Course in Miracles study group meets from 6:30-8:00 pm in Rm 1 of the Education Bldg. on Monday night. The Course teaches us how to find inner peace through forgiveness. New members always welcome.