Commentary on ACIM Lesson 324

© 2010 Rev. David Seacord

I think sometimes that my destiny is to 'preach it until I get it'. I say that in the sense that 'we teach best what we need to learn most' (from "The Saviors Handbook" described in "The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah", by Richard Bach). It's 'The Gap' that I/we/maybe you live in between 'the ideal' and 'the reality'. Another way to describe it is as 'the place we fail to be able to be who we say we are'.

It's interesting... that little nuanced difference.... between 'who we say we are', and 'who we are'. Being honest about that gap with the people in our world is the source of our true humbleness, and it makes us humans instead of idealists. (Ideals are very human to have, but all of us have at times seen that becoming an idealist can lead to great inhumanness.) Just notice the heart has no need of ideals. It only has need of being/expressing itself in full interconnectedness to everything. IE, the only 'ideal' of the heart is its unlimitedness of loving.

Tonight I was at an art event I have spent much time at this week helping prepare for (by removing my art so that the work of 50 other local artists could be shown, as that show has become a traditional event here this time of year. When nearly finished removing my art (two days work), the gallery director made an offhand comment--- "Gee.... why did I have you take your art of those back walls? We don't have much to put up there". I just kept working, but something started percolating.... leading to me going to the director and asking "Were you serious about that comment?" And just like that, bingo, instead of exiting stage left, I am re-entering stage right, rehanging a whole new (much smaller) exhibit, and thus becoming part of both the new show, and the local Yuma art community.

It was just like the Course lesson today describes... I merely followed in the ways God opened and set forth for me to go... and the result is a magical life, containing an abundance of miracles providing for our/my every need. If this is not happening, I believe the 6th Principle of Miracles in the Course: "Miracles are natural. When they do not occur, something has gone wrong."

However, a word of caution interpreting that.... remember that that only 'place' that something can go wrong is in the dream-world built on insanity that we call 'reality'. In truth, it is impossible for 'something to go wrong'. Herein lies the great value of the Course's training... it trains us in the distinctions of the levels of perception so that we cease to be confused. In other words, we become nuanced and adept at being clear about what is true, and what is not true. Can you think of any power more valuable to have while in this world? Let me know if you can...

Namaste,

David

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Lesson 324

I merely follow, for I would not lead.

Father, You are the One Who gave the plan for my salvation to me. You have set the way I am to go, the role to take, and every step in my appointed path. I cannot lose the way. I can but choose to wander off a while, and then return. Your loving Voice will always call me back, and guide my feet aright. My brothers all can follow in the way I lead them. Yet I merely follow in the way to You, as You direct me and would have me go.

So let us follow One Who knows the way. We need not tarry, and we cannot stray except an instant from His loving Hand. We walk together, for we follow Him. And it is He Who makes the ending sure, and guarantees a safe returning home.