Lesson 27 – Above all else I want to see.

Commentary (full lesson beneath commentary)

It’s interesting how today’s lesson says it expresses something stronger than “mere determination.”  Lesson 20 was “I am determined to see.”  Now, we graduate to “Above all else I want to see.”  In Lesson 27, Jesus tells us that determination is not very strong at all–no surprise there, ha ha!  But although the ego tries to undermine us, be comforted by knowing that if you are practicing A Course in Miracles, grace is working with you; grace is guiding you already.

In the law of attraction the word “want” indicates lack.  But in A Course in Miracles, “want” simply means desire.  The word “above” conjures up a heavenly light beckoning.  The lesson is clearly stating the only sensible priority: before everything else, every ego concern and desire we have, there must be commitment to True Vision.  This is the only road to love, peace and joy.

We are warned that to the ego this will feel like we’re inviting loss.  So we’re given two phrases to assuage this fear:  “Vision has no cost to anyone” and “It can only bless.”  If I become afraid that on rising to Heaven (which is not about the death of the body) I’ve left behind my loved ones and they can’t get on without me, I can remind myself that no one pays a price for Vision and it blesses us all.

This kind of lesson is compatible with my nature.  I enjoy making it a mindful mantra.  “Above all else I want to see.  Above all else I want to see.  Above all else I want to see. Aummmmmmmmmmm.”  It was in my sleep with me last night.  The words jumbled around (“Beyond all things I want to see”) but the meaning was retained–specific words don’t matter when we are sincere and allow the Holy Spirit to take over and work within us.

LESSON 27

Above all else I want to see.

Today’s idea expresses something stronger than mere determination.  It gives vision priority among your desires.  You may feel hesitant about using the idea, on the grounds that you are not sure you really mean it.  This does not matter.  The purpose of today’s exercises is to bring the time when the idea will be wholly true a little nearer.

There may be a great temptation to believe that some sort of sacrifice is being asked of you when you say you want to see above all else.  If you become uneasy about the lack of reservation involved, add:

Vision has no cost to anyone.

If fear of loss still persists, add further:

It can only bless.

The idea for today needs many repetitions for maximum benefit.  It should be used at least every half hour, and more if possible.  You might try for every fifteen or twenty minutes.  It is recommended that you set a definite time interval for using the idea when you wake or shortly afterwards, and attempt to adhere to it throughout the day.  It will not be difficult to do this, even if you are engaged in conversation, or otherwise occupied at the time.  You can still repeat one short sentence to yourself without disturbing anything.

The real question is, how often will you remember?  How much do you want today’s idea to be true?  Answer one of these questions, and you have answered the other.  You will probably miss several applications, and perhaps quite a number.  Do not be disturbed by this, but do try to keep on your schedule from then on.  If only once during the day you feel that you were perfectly sincere while you were repeating today’s idea, you can be sure that you have saved yourself many years of effort.

Let’s practice together!  Watch and listen to me reading each ACIM Lesson on Youtube.  Also, check out Workin’ the Workbook, my online class which supports the ACIM Workbook practice.