[acimlessons_list] Review V, Lesson 173 - June 22

[Sue Roth]

Review V, Lesson 173 - June 22

"GOD IS BUT LOVE, AND THEREFORE SO AM I."

(155) "I WILL STEP BACK AND LET HIM LEAD THE WAY."

(156) "I WALK WITH GOD IN PERFECT HOLINESS."

PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS

See Review V practice instructions.

COMMENTARY

<Paragraph 5 of the review introduction:>

The Self that is only Love, perfectly consistent in Its thoughts, is what
"waits to meet us at the journey's ending" (5:1). I often need to remind
myself of what it is I am "going for" in this spiritual walk. Sometimes it
seems like such a long journey--"countless situations...through time that
seems to have no end" (T-24.VI.7:2). Keeping the goal in view, in the
forefront of my mind, is a necessity for me. "This," with a capital "T" (at
least in some editions of the Course), "is promised us" (5:4). I am on a
journey to find my Self, and at the end of the journey, it is promised, I
will find It. A Self in constant union with God. A Self at perfect peace
within Itself. This is worth "going for."

The journey seems long, but every step brings me a little nearer (5:2). Each
time I pause for a minute to remember brings me nearer. Each time I open my
heart in love to a brother brings me nearer. Each morning or evening I take
the time to practice, sitting in silence, listening, brings me nearer. The
path offered by the Course is not a flashy one. It is not, sometimes, a very
exciting one. But it works. It is so clear to me that this work <must> be
done somehow; the twisted thoughts of my ego must be undone and replaced
with something else. The multitude of fear's disguises must be unmasked and
replaced with love. Sometimes I wish it could happen overnight. Sometimes I
wonder why it seems to take so long and proceed so slowly. And then I catch
my own thoughts, turning me away, delaying me, and I know why. Occasionally
I even feel gratitude that God does not force anything on me against my
will, because, when at last I end the journey, there will be not one shred
of uncertainty that it is my will, as well as His. And I return to the
steady work the Course sets forth, knowing that--for me, at least--this is
the only way I have found that works.

"This review"--done as we are asked to do it, of course--"will shorten time
immeasurably" (5:3). So if I feel impatient, here is the means to shorten
the time it takes. The means are being given to me, handed to me on a silver
platter, put before my eyes day after day. Will I take them? Will I use the
means given me to shorten time? I say so often that I want the journey to
proceed more quickly. Yet if, given the means to shorten the time, I do not
use them, what does that say about my wanting? My regularity in practice is
the measure of my true desire.

If I practice with the goal in mind, if I remember why I am doing it, the
benefit will be maximal. If, however, I trudge through the practice as if it
were some kind of duty being imposed on me, a tedious chore, I will benefit
less.

Today let me raise my heart from dust to life as I remember (5:4). Let me
lift up my eyes and recall the glorious goal, the completeness of my Self
that awaits my remembering. Let the inner hunger that never leaves me have
its way and draw me onward.

Today's two review ideas dovetail nicely with the ideas in the paragraph
from the review introduction. I "step back and let Him lead the way,"
willingly following His direction. And I am encouraged on my journey in
knowing that as I go, "I walk with God in perfect holiness."

This course was sent to open up the path of light to us, and teach us, step
by step, how to return to the eternal Self we thought we lost. (5:5)

Thank You, Father, for this course. Thank You for its step-by-step
instructions. Thank You for this time of review, for the times I can spend
with You, quietly, listening, waiting, knowing that every minute draws me
nearer to my goal, every minute saves immeasurable time. Thank You for
opening up the path of light.