ACIM Workbook Lesson 187 – for Friday, July 6. 2012
Affirmation: “I bless the world because I bless myself.”
“Never believe that you can sacrifice. There is no place for sacrifice in what has any value. If the thought occurs, its very presence proves that error has arisen and correction must be made. Your blessing will correct it. Given first to you, it now is yours to give as well. No form of sacrifice and suffering can long endure before the face of one who has forgiven and has blessed himself. (WB355)”
Reflections:
1 – Doing for Others
We have long believed that when we sacrifice for our loved ones, we are doing the right thing. This passage for today assures us that, even when we are doing for our loved ones, God does not demand sacrifice. We may do the same things, but when we are in God’s flow, we will not see our actions as sacrifice. A change of attitude is all that is needed.
2 – Change of Attitude
“If the thought occurs” is the pivotal point, the indication that we need to change our attitude. We need to entertain the thought of correction. Correction is the definition of Atonement (an ACIM tenet). When we have accepted Atonement for ourselves, we will know correction in our daily lives. And our daily lives will take a substantial and lasting turn for the better.
3 – Blessings and Thankfulness
Blessings and thankfulness are often linked in my own mind. If we wish to bless someone, we are being thankful for their place in our lives. And then we have opened the door to more blessings for ourselves as well. We will not sacrifice and suffer in our holy relationships, because we will know love
4 – Forgiveness
If we have not forgiven ourselves for our past misdeeds, we will carry a heavy load of guilt, and guilt is hell (an ACIM tenet). Let us reject such foolishness by simple forgiveness. We need only ask, and the blessing of forgiveness is ours. There can be no better way to have a good day.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
I thank You for this glorious day. I had a moment of an anxiety attack this morning, and, with distraction and prayer out loud to You, the moment left me–and quickly. Help me to remember always that You are nearer to me than my breath, that I am a part of You.
No sacrifice seems too good to be true! We will be caregivers for our significant others, but if I view this as a sacrifice, I need to change my attitude. There is much to be gained from taking care of our loved ones–for them as well as ourselves. May I never forget that this caregiving is a two-way street.
Be with me as I seek to leave all suffering behind. The last three days have been glorious ones for me, and a tiny change in my routine created some of that difference. Be with me as I seek to attract Your blessings, and many of these are the intangibles of love, peace, joy, tranquility, and serenity. No need for drama in a life that is calm and quiet.
Amen.
MIRACLES EACH DAY 