Expressing the miracle impulse
November 24, 2006
In the Urtext of A Course in Miracles, Jesus says that deep in our unconscious minds, below all the ego stuff, is a "miracle level" that consists of pure miracle-working ability. He says that "the impulse to Miracles" is constantly welling up from this level of our minds; deep down, we all yearn to release the "miracle-drive" by working miracles for our brothers. Unfortunately, our investment in the ego often blocks our miracle impulses, so they are either unexpressed or expressed in weakened and distorted forms. Keeping our miracle impulses corked up, Jesus says, is the real reason for the uneasy tension we so often feel: "Tension is the result of a building-up of unexpressed miracle-impulses."
This Thanksgiving, I'm happy to report that I had a wonderful experience of releasing that tension. I had planned to spend the day relaxing at home, perhaps watching some football, before going to a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner late in the afternoon. But as I was reading the paper at breakfast, something caught my eye: a letter to the editor calling for volunteers to serve a free Thanksgiving dinner at the Elks Lodge. Normally I would have just ignored something like this, but this time, to my surprise, something in me said, "Do it." I have to admit, I initially resisted this impulse-I was really looking forward to a relaxing day on the couch-but in the end I decided to follow this strange impulse and really do it.
I'm really glad I did. I showed up at the Elks Lodge, told them I saw the letter, and said I wanted to volunteer. They seemed surprised (I'm guessing I was the only one who came as a result of that letter), but they were very happy to have me. So, I spent the afternoon helping serve Thanksgiving dinner to all and sundry. It was a truly joyful experience, a lot more rewarding than lounging on the couch watching football ever would have been. I met a lot of great people, both among the other volunteers and those I served. The occasion was festive and lots of fun. And all who came for dinner, from those who were clearly homeless and destitute to those who simply wanted to eat out for Thanksgiving, were so grateful for the gift of love they received. I was just as grateful to all of them for the gift of love I received.
Today, I recall a line from the Course: "Have you really considered how many opportunities you have had to gladden yourself, and how many of them you have refused?" (T-4.IV.8:1). How many times have I let that impulse to extend a miracle of love slide by unexpressed? More times than I like to admit. But I'm very glad I didn't let it slide this time, and the joy I felt has given me the incentive to listen to and express my miracle impulses in the future. I encourage you to do the same with any miracle impulses you may feel welling up in you. Believe me, you'll be glad you did.
Return to top | Send Reader Feedback | View Reader Feedback | Printer friendly version
Dear friend: We offer the materials on this website to you in the hope that they can serve you well on your journey home. Your continuing donations support the work of the Circle of Atonement. Thank you.
Click here to make a Donation.
This material is copyrighted by the Circle of Atonement, P.O. Box 4238, W. Sedona, AZ 86340. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author(s).
Please report problems to the webmaster.
