My thoughts* on A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 65, * MY ONLY Function Is to Forgive the Illusion Even as I Bear Witness of Its False Reality.

My only function is the one God gave me.

* Observe the illusion as it presents itself and know it is NOT real. IE. FORGIVE, and remember that it could NEVER BE SINGULAR or you do not understand that there is ONLY ONE “BEING.”

1. The idea for today reaffirms your commitment to salvation.

²It also reminds you that you have no function other than that.

³Both these thoughts are obviously necessary for a total commitment.

⁴Salvation cannot be the only purpose you hold while you still cherish others.

* … while you still cherish other purposes. Hmm. Be sure you see the significance.

⁵The full acceptance of salvation as your only function necessarily entails two phases; the recognition of salvation as your function, and the relinquishment of all the other goals you have invented for yourself.

* I have been playing with the idea of “shining” today. Of being welcome in the world and shining as who I am. I have even thought of taking on the name “Shine” as part of my new expression of existence. To shine does not mean that you look for other’s approval but that you exist as you feel called to in your own integrity.

* I thought about spelling it “Shyne” because it is true that I am “shy” in the world, and I am not sure where it will land. Shine carries within it the small “i” that is in debi. It resonates just a bit stronger than the essence of shy. I know I have a lot of LIGHT in me because I recognize Father. But that does not mean that others choose to see it.

* If I do not share it in my own small way, how will others gain courage from what I have given to my experience here? I do not wish to just follow after what someone else tells me I ought to do. I want to be Guided by Father through SPIRIT and the assistance of angels in form and out in the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place among the saviors of the world.

²This is the only way in which you can say and mean, “My only function is the one God gave me.”

³This is the only way in which you can find peace of mind.

* I have peace within that cannot be desturbed because I understand that Father Guides me. Those who recognize GOD WITHIN but do not understand the “RELATIONSHIP” that the FATHER has WITH HIS SON miss something significant.

3. Today, and for a number of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen minutes for a more sustained practice period, in which you try to understand and accept what the idea for the day really means.

²Today’s idea offers you escape from all your perceived difficulties.

³It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands.

⁴It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time began.

* Easily said, some things have taken me decades to get spiritually prepared to understand. And there are others that must be ready in many cases.

* At the same time, to see the whole of experience as you understand it at this time as unreal and allow Father through SPIRIT to Guide you to understanding is a REALITY.

4. Try, if possible, to undertake the daily extended practice periods at approximately the same time each day.

²Try, also, to determine this time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible.

³The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart the time for God, as well as for all the trivial purposes and goals you will pursue.

⁴This is part of the long-range disciplinary training your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for the purpose He shares with you.

5. For the longer practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for the day.

* “My only function is the one God gave me.”

²Then close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch your mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it.

³At first, make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea for the day.

⁴Rather, try to uncover each thought that arises to interfere with it.

⁵Note each one as it comes to you, with as little involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each one by telling yourself:

⁶This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me from accepting my only function.

6. After a while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find.

²Try, however, to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of the idle thoughts that escaped your attention before, but do not strain or make undue effort in doing this.

³Then tell yourself:

⁴On this clean slate let my true function be written for me.

⁵You need not use these exact words, but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illusions of purpose be replaced by truth.

7. Finally, repeat the idea for today once more, and devote the rest of the practice period to trying to focus on its importance to you, the relief its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts once and for all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in spite of your own foolish ideas to the contrary.

* You will resolve them by knowing they are not real but this does not mean there is no more work to do.

8. In the shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least once an hour, use this form in applying today’s idea:

²My only function is the one God gave me.

³I want no other and I have no other.

⁴Sometimes close your eyes as you practice this, and sometimes keep them open and look about you.

⁵It is what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept today’s idea completely.

* Yes, it will all be seen as unreal and you will look within for Guidance while being taught by SPIRIT line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little, just as Jesus has been.

(ACIM, W-65.1:1–8:5)

To Father be ALL Glory and Praise Given AS His Son, debi.