Commentary on ACIM Lesson 336

© 2010 Rev. David Seacord

A brief theme of gratitude arises as I sit to write much later than usual. It is just that an evening healing massage miracle (upon me) was tonight's spiritual practice, taking the place of my normal rhythm, and I am now carrying much less chronic tension than I was earlier after a day of hard work.

I am in NM functioning under contract to the LDS church as a piano tuner. I've been providing this annual service to them for over thirty years.... I love doing it too, traveling around this beautiful state from town to town, making sure all is well with their pianos. Because of my art career, this is about the only tuning I still do... and like a lot artists in this economy, I am grateful to have this side-income still flowing.

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Many moments happen that I am grateful for in serving this way.... today, the building I was in was 'under decoration' (for the season) by a group of Mormon women. After a while, one of them approached me and we had a conversation. At first it was about pianos, but as I responded to her questions I dropped in little 'extra' pieces of information (about me, and/or about spirituality etc). This woman was alert, and did not let any of them pass without asking what I meant, or please explain that, etc. And as I shared about myself, she also shared about her life, eventually revealing that her 20-something daughter had recently 'left the church'.

From there, the conversation only got deeper. We talked about all the other ways humans understand God, her feelings about being a Mormon, her feelings of love for her daughter, and her support of 'the exploration' the daughter was embarking upon. I realized this woman was powerfully God-loving, and was being a clear light for her community by not resisting her daughters choice. That they were staying close to each others hearts while walking now different journeys to God provided me and all who see them the chance to re-learn the higher ways of love.

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Also, earlier in the day, I learned a good lesson at a gas station. The 'at the pump' refused my card, and sent me inside to the attendant. Later, I saw I had gone in with 'an attitude' (like, stupid pump, wasting my time, etc). I won't give you the dialogue, but I got 'an attitude' right back (from the attendant). So I canceled the transaction and left the station. After a minute, I saw myself, forgave myself, and laughed. Made up a little mantra: 'Give an attitude, you'll get one back'. Didn't have any more 'attitudes' for the rest of the day....

Enjoy our final Course month!

Namaste,

David

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Lesson 336

Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined.

Forgiveness is the means appointed for perception's ending. Knowledge is restored after perception first is changed, and then gives way entirely to what remains forever past its highest reach. For sights and sounds, at best, can serve but to recall the memory that lies beyond them all. Forgiveness sweeps away distortions, and opens the hidden altar to the truth. Its lilies shine into the mind, and call it to return and look within, to find what it has vainly sought without. For here, and only here, is peace of mind restored, for this the dwelling place of God Himself.

In quiet may forgiveness wipe away my dreams of separation and of sin. Then let me, Father, look within, and find Your promise of my sinlessness is kept; Your Word remains unchanged within my mind, Your Love is still abiding in my heart.