To gain the most from A Course in Miracles Lesson Insights, we recommend
that you read the corresponding lesson in the Workbook of the Second or
Third Edition of A Course in Miracles published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
“I seek but what belongs to me in truth.”
As I observe my thoughts during the practice periods, it is clear how conflicted my mind is about what I want. I start by affirming that I seek but what belongs to me in truth and shortly thereafter I realize that my mind has wandered into thoughts about things to do, a conversation I had, various thoughts about my day-to-day experience. Somehow I have given importance to these thoughts, more importance than I give to God’s peace and joy. If I follow those trains of thought, some part of me must think I want those things more than God’s peace and joy. It is simply a demonstration that in the split mind, there are conflicting goals.
The split appeared to occur because of a belief that something other than God’s gifts is more valuable to me. It’s no wonder Jesus calls the split mind insane. What could in truth be more valuable than eternal joy and peace? What could be more valuable than perfect happiness that cannot be shaken? Obviously the ego thinks there are lots of things more valuable. But what the ego offers never lasts.
It does seem to bring periods of happiness, yet because this happiness is based on illusion, there is always an underlying sense that it will not last. There are periods when I seem to feel comfortable and safe, yet my mind is always on alert to defend against the intrusion of some disruptive force. Someone’s actions, a disease, some words I determine are hurtful. This is not really happiness. This is not peace.
To experience God’s joy and peace I must set aside all thoughts, all belief that anything in the world of separation, any form, has any value to me. To the ego this appears to be sacrifice because it means giving up all that the ego values. But because everything the ego values is illusion, it is really giving up nothing. And by letting nothing go, I make room to receive everything. I make room to accept God’s gifts, which is all of Himself, all that Is, all Love.
Peace and joy are the attributes of Love, so when I accept peace and joy, I accept Love. When I accept God’s Love, I accept His peace and joy. These are mine already. I need do nothing to have them. To know that I have them, I simply need to cease denying them. Today I practice accepting my inheritance. God’s peace and joy are mine. Thank you God. I love you God.
In this lesson it talks about clearing a holy place within our minds where His gifts of peace and joy are welcome. One way that works for me is to imagine myself standing underneath a waterfall of Light. As I stand there, the Light dissolves all that is not of God’s Light. After a short while there is nothing but God’s Light left. There is only God’s Light. And in this place, where there is nothing else, I am able to see that in everyone I know, everyone in this whole world, there is only God’s Light. God’s Light is all there is left to see. This is a wonderful experience. There is no conflict because there are no differences. God’s peace and joy are everywhere. God’s Love is all. The veil is lifted.
When I want to see the truth, I will see the truth. When I want to see God’s Light, I will see God’s Light. The ego cannot stop me seeing the truth and feeling the truth. I am the decision maker. I choose what I want to see. In truth I am and everyone is peace, joy and Love. This is what is in the mind of God. This is God. This is all. I can rest in God, in peace and joy and Love, any time I choose. It is eternally present. It never changes.
The stories in the dream have seemed so attractive, but now they are losing their luster. Seeing the Light of God in everyone really does bring joy with it. I realize this is a gradual process and that it toggles back and forth as I am willing to join with the Holy Spirit’s dream of awakening to the truth. As I join with Holy Spirit’s perception, the world seems less complicated. The stories carry less importance. Truth is true and nothing else is true.
When I get wrapped up in dreams again, a very helpful process for me is returning again to standing beneath that shower of Light. I stand there until everything gets washed away but God’s Light. I find this process very helpful when I think something that is not of joy and peace is real. I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for this important handrail, this important pathway, that leads me very gently back to the truth, that leads me back where I belong. It is always there as I am willing to accept it. It is there now. Joy and peace are my inheritance. It is all I have in truth. It is all I am.
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