ACIM Workbook Lesson 195 – for Saturday, July 14, 2012
Affirmation: “Love is the way I walk in gratitude.”
“Gratitude is a lesson hard to learn for those who look upon the world 
amiss. The most that they can do is see themselves as better off than others. And they try to be content because another seems to suffer more than they. How pitiful and deprecating are such thoughts! For who has cause for thanks while others have less cause? And who could suffer less because he sees another suffer more? Your gratitude is due to Him alone Who made all cause of sorrow disappear throughout the world. (WB372)”
Reflections:
1 – Do Not Compare
We would be wise not to compare ourselves to others. There will always be those who seem to have more, as well as seem to have less. This practice of comparison is not a good practice that could ever lead us to a sane mind.
2 – Cooperation
We need cooperation, not competition, in our world (an interpretation, not stated in ACIM). And in cooperation we find the gratitude due our brothers and sisters that is so lacking when we are competing with them for the “top” spot in our world. We find ourselves loving each other more when we cooperate toward a common good. We do not find ourselves in a loving mood when we are competing.
3 – Public Schools
Even the public school system is learning this truth. Research in educational circles has been going on for a quarter of a century, and more, that recommends “cooperative learning” in our schools. It is conceivable that this wide-based endeavor will turn out very different young adults than in our generation. Our world needs a new system, and perhaps cooperative learning and living will emerge in the next generation. (These ideas are not discussed in ACIM or in A Course of Love.)
4 – Pity Is Unworthy
It is particularly unworthy if we simply look with pity on another’s suffering, and use that situation to be glad that we too are not suffering that much. Surely we ought to do what we can to lighten another’s load, and turn suffering into joy. Surely we ought not to doubt the results of a healing when symptoms still seem evident (a Manual tenet). But we need to recognize that, however lamentable, the suffering is not real (a Manual tenet). It is an illusion, however much it may seem real to us or to the sufferer himself/herself. The real Self (the “Christ” in us) has not been harmed. Our task now is to move beyond suffering and to turn it back, if need be, simply into pain that would be avoided.
5 – Sickness as a Way of Life
Not everyone is ready for this change. Some use sickness as a way of life, and a sudden healing might precipitate depression so deep that one would want to commit suicide (from the Manual). So healing has to wait. But we cannot doubt that a healing will be accepted when the individual is ready. This can be either physical or emotional healing, and perhaps the emotional is the most important.
6 = With Grateful Eyes
Let us look with grateful eyes on our brothers and sisters, and let us help them, with more kindness, through their journey. What better way to spend our day?
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
I do feel grateful today for my many blessings. I would feel more gratitude than is usual for me, for this lesson today is a reminder of how much we owe to You. Be with me today as I walk through this world.
May I never use sickness to get me something that I want. Nothing needs to be used in such a way. I would not feel pity for those less fortunate, though I would try to help my brothers and sisters in need. Show me what to do and say.
Thank You.
Amen.
MIRACLES EACH DAY 