ACIM Workbook Lesson 117 – for Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Affirmation: “God, being Love, is also happiness.”
Selected Passage:
“Let me remember love is happiness, and nothing else brings joy. And so I choose to entertain no substitutes for love. (WB210)”
Affirmation: “I seek but what belongs to me in truth.”
Selected Passage:
“Love is my heritage, and with it joy. These are the gifts my Father gave to me. I would accept all that is mine in truth. (WB210)”
Reflections:
These affirmations (“lessons”) and the passages selected are tools for contemplation. But we are not meant, as students/teachers of ACIM to spend long hours in contemplation, which Jesus says is “tedious” (a Manual tenet). But some time spent in contemplative meditation is good for us (though there is a difference of opinion among ACIM students/teachers about whether or not meditation is a part of ACIM).
We return today to the happy realization that happiness is a worthy goal. It is an outgrowth of Love, being of God. God is Love, and therefore He fosters happiness. Let us not look at this assertion too casually. It is pivotal to our healing. When we turn to God and to our brothers and sisters, willing all (including ourselves) to be healed, we will naturally live a life of more happiness. This truth is regardless of how many “bad” things are happening at any given time. Our hearts will be at peace, and this in itself will foster happiness.
Love belongs to us. It is ours. We do ourselves a great disservice when we turn aside from these promises. Let us today turn to Love (God) for the blessings that He is so ready to bestow on us.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Love brings joy, and I would have both today. Be with me as I go through the varying activities that I have on my “to do” list. Help me to be kind to the people whom I will encounter, and help me to realize that not everybody sees things “my” way.
Thank You for your abiding love for me. I especially welcome the sense of Your presence, and I am glad that You are not hiding Your love from me in a dark night of the soul.
Amen.
