“I reserve the right to be awed,” is a fairly new phrase that I repeat to myself when I am in a moment of complete joy and happiness. However I have been finding myself repeating it during less grand moments, like a child learning to talk wanting to repeat a new favorite word or phrase whenever they can, especially out of context.
As a student of A Course in Miracles (ACIM)*, I have come to expect miracles as a part of life. For about 18 months I have been a part of a group that meets weekly to study ACIM. It is not a text that you study on your own. I started with this group when they were about into the 8th or 9th chapters; we have recently finished chapter 16. Believe me when I say, it is a slow process. At this time, I feel comfortable enough with the text to begin where I have missed with the group, at the beginning.
As I begin to read a section** each day that I am able, I start with Chapter 1: The Meaning of Miracles. In the very first section lists Principles of Miracles in which there are 50 principles. As I read down the list I get to principle #31 and it says, “Miracles should inspire gratitude, not awe.” I’ll admit I was a little miffed about this statement. There was some internal protesting about this and it continued for a few days until I took the time to read Section II: Revelation, Time, and Miracles.
The very first paragraph and sentence states, “Revelation induces complete but temporary suspension of doubt and fear.” This makes perfect sense. To experience complete joy and happiness, doubt and fear cannot be present. Later in sentences 5-6, “Revelation unites you directly with God. Miracles unite you directly with your brother.” This is simple enough – revelation connects us with God while miracles connect us with each other.
Here comes that part that says, “Kristin, quit protesting. You can still say, ‘I reserve the right to be awed;’ the only thing to know is when it is appropriate.” Paragraph 3, sentence 1 states, “Awe should be reserved for revelation, to which it is perfectly and correctly applicable.” Then it continues to read (sentences 2-5), “It is not appropriate for miracles because a state of awe is worshipful, implying that one of a lesser order stands before his Creator. You are a perfect creation, and should experience awe only in the Presence of the Creator of perfection. The miracle is therefore a sign of love among equals. Equals should not be in awe of one another because awe implies inequality.”
Okay, we’re getting somewhere. Remember principle #31? “Miracles should inspire gratitude, not awe.” I can reserve the right to be awed when experiencing a revelation but when experiencing a miracle the best phrase to say is, “Thank You.” I will say thank you when I wake up in the morning. I will say thank you when a neighbor helps me dig my car out of a foot of snow. I will say thank you when we as brothers and sisters come together to create miraculous acts of selflessness and love.
However I will reserve the right to be awed in those less conspicuous moments in experiencing the Presence of the Creator. In that fleeting moment in meditation when I am not a part of this world. When engrossed in activity that perpetuates a meditative state much like runners experiencing a “runner’s high”.
I find it interesting that what we consider to be grand gestures, a commuter train full of passengers banding together to move it enough to free a man’s leg, the most appropriate response is “Thank you.” In contrast, reserving the right to be awed is for those moments when the world stands still and we truly connect to the Higher Power that created us. Those who are familiar with ACIM, please join me in saying,
Nothing is real can be threatened.
Nothing unreal exists.
Herein lies the peace of God.
(Introduction P1:2-4)
*A Course in Miracles, Combined Volume, 3rd Edition (2007) was used as a reference.
**A note to those that are not familiar with A Course in Miracles: The text of ACIM has 31 Chapters which are divided into sections (designated by Roman numerals), further divided by numbered paragraphs and each sentence in the paragraph is numbered.
I am a Spiritual Adventurer 