The past few days, the A Course in Miracles discipline has been to apply the lesson for five minutes out of each hour. Thanks to my handy kitchen timer, I’ve been able to adhere to the plan pretty faithfully.
Lesson 100 of A Course in Miracles really had an impact on me. It says: “My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.”
These words didn’t make much of an impression on me at first. In fact, sometimes I still feel a bit haughty admitting that I think I have something to do with God’s plan for salvation. My dysfunctional self-talk (aka the ‘ego’) tells me “who do you think you are to claim you’re a savior?”
That’s exactly why the Course creates rules like applying the lesson for five minutes of every hour so you can get past the ego’s thoughts and into the deeper meaning of this verse.
For one thing, five minutes might not seem like that long, but to the ego it’s eternity. The discipline of stopping all the busy-ness and putting all those “important” tasks on pause for five minutes every hour on the hour to affirm that you have a part in God’s plan is not all that easy. Yet the repetition of the lesson allows it to gradually sink in and work well,….miracles.
As the day progressed, these 9 words took on rich meaning and literally healed my heart and mind. No matter how you say it or what word you emphasize, the healing power is released one word and one thought at a time.
My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation. – Lesson 100 of A Course in Miracles
The more times I read this, the more it reminded me of having a part in a play. When one part is missing, the meaning or impact of the entire play is diminished. Each part is important and adds to the whole.
I realize I do have a part. That means I’m not insignificant (as my ego would want me to believe). I am needed. My part is essential. I have a function and duty to fulfill here. I’m not just here to take up space and leave a carbon footprint.
Not only am I significant, I have a part in God’s plan. This is much bigger and more important than having a part in my employer’s plan, my student’s plans, my husband’s plans or my mom’s plans. I have a part in God’s plan. That’s some serious business and not something I would want to take lightly.
Reading these words at this time of year, a time when we focus on rebirth and new life seems very significant to me and makes me want to take my part seriously. I’m thinking that if we each do our part by being accountable and forgiving (the Course says salvation and forgiveness are the same. Pg. 178, p. 9 v.7) we will help others to wake up as well. Therefore this seemingly small act truly does have the potential to lead to salvation and healing for all.
Your part is essential to God’s plan for salvation. Do you believe it? Do you take it seriously or do you wait for someone else to do it? For most of my life I have sat back and waited for someone else to save me. Today, I strive to do my part in salvation and to be present to each moment to the best of my ability. So far I’m finding out that it’s more than worth it to take the time to make this change.