Opening to God's Grace

. . . by letting go of specificity

A major teaching goal of A Course in Miracles is learning to generalize. The way that we “fix” or “heal” one problem can readily be applied to another problem, even though they appear different. On the world’s terms, no money to pay rent and forgetting a friend’s birthday require different solutions. But the course teaches us that this apparent variation is an illusion arising from our unwillingness to face our separation from God.

No one could solve all the problems the world appears to hold. They seem to be on so many levels, in such varying forms and with such varied content, that they confront you with an impossible situation . . . All this complexity is but a desperate attempt not to recognize the problem, and therefore not to let it be solved. If you could recognize your only problem is separation, no matter what form it takes, you could accept the answer because you would see its relevance (W-pI.79.5:1-2, 6:1-2).

One way to undo our tendency to “regard problems as many” is to notice our inclination to be specific to a fault.

Specificity reflects the ego's insistence that there is only one correct interpretation of a situation and we are the ones who know it. This self-centered approach happens subtly and often appears harmless. The particular form the error takes doesn't matter, but the underlying fear does because it promotes resistance to the equality and inclusivity of Love.

Imagine you and I go out for coffee. We get in line to place our orders. Our goal is simple - order coffee, pay, then take a seat and talk. The barista’s specific purpose unfolds accordingly: take our order, get us coffee, ring us up, and let us go on our way.

Clear and simple, yes?

On the one hand, yes. But on the other, our decision about what’s happening reflects the underlying judgment that we know what is happening. I am getting coffee with a friend; everything else must adapt accordingly. But what if this is specificity is not reasonable but instead a way of resisting God and love? What if the barista needs us to say a kind word? Or leave an unusually large tip? What if we are supposed to be at the cafe down the street?

Our insistence on specificity can interfer with healing. It can block the creativity that is the hallmark of miracles.

What happens if we choose to not invest in specificity? What if, instead, we ask the Holy Spirit what should happen? What if we say to the Holy Spirit, this coffee thing, I’m going to leave it to you. Why don’t you direct the situation in a way that benefits the whole of Creation rather than my limited and self-centered ideas about Creation?

When we do that, we affirm our commitment to non-interference as a spiritual practice. By releasing our own judgment - however logical or reasonable it appears - we essentially consent to becoming channels for the Grace of God. We agree to be instruments of undoing separation in the context of separation. We let go of the insistence that we know what anything means, and instead allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to remember what we are in truth.

This is what it means to “love in a loveless place” (T-14.IV.4:10). It is an active performance of the part given us to play.

Suffice it, then, that you have work to do to play your part. The ending must remain obscure to you until your part is done. It does not matter. . . As you take the role assigned to you, salvation comes a little nearer each uncertain heart that does not beat as yet in tune with God (W-pI.169.11:1-3, 5).

We do not do this. It is done through us when we willingly set aside our insistence that we know what is going on, and what everyone needs to do, and what all of it means. Life is not a crisis awaiting our intervention. It is more like an ongoing extension of grace. When we treat it as anything less, we refuse to acknowledge the unconditional nature of God’s gift.

Thus, our willingness to buy coffee with and for the Holy Spirit - I mean literally entering the cafe and giving attention only to the Holy Spirit - isn't just a good idea. It's the only idea that will actually work.

The Holy Spirit is the only Therapist. He makes healing clear in any situation in which He is the Guide. You can only let Him fulfill His function. He needs no help for this. He will tell you exactly what to do to help anyone He sends to you for help, and will speak through you if you do not interfere (T-9.V.8:4-8).

I am not suggesting that every time we enter a cafe we should be prepared to raise the dead or see angels hovering in prismatic radiance near the muffins (though we should not, as a matter of course, refuse those possibilities). Rather, I am suggesting that we give attention to letting go of the idea that our perspective and interpretation is correct, all others be damned and then see what happens. Become humble and open.

There is a lot of peace in moving through our day gently, steered by grace and gentleness and just letting be. Yes, sometimes we will be called on to make seemingly big gestures or play seemingly dramatic roles. Sometimes we will observe our brothers and sisters in that capacity. It does’t matter.

Mostly we are called to remember that conflict and worry are not our inheritance, and that the Holy Spirit will both remind us of this and teach us how to make the remembrance permanent. He will show us how to be happy and peaceful in quiet, non-dramatic and sustainable ways. We just have to let Him.

Remember that you choose the guide for helping, and the wrong choice will not help. But remember also that the right one will. Trust Him, for help is His function, and He is of God. As you awaken other minds to the Holy Spirit through Him, and not yourself, you will understand that you are not obeying the laws of this world. But the laws you are obeying work (T-9.V.8:9-3).

When we find ourselves investing in or attaching to specificity - this situation means this, that person should do that - it is always helpful to step back and ask the Holy Spirit to offer correction. I mean to literally pray, "I don't know what to do here even though I think know, can you help me forget what I think I know so that I can learn what you would have me learn?” And then listen carefully and allow the answer that is already given to reveal itself to us yet again.

When we do this in all situations, not just the ones we deem problematic or vexing, then we learn what it means to generalize.

Perceiving the underlying constancy in all the problems that seem to confront you, you would understand that you have the means to solve them all. And you would use the means, because you recognize the problem (W-pI.79.6:3-4).

The simplicity of this gesture - asking for help and then consenting that the answer be offered through us - belies its powerful capacity to manifest salvation now. Why seek Heaven when it is already given, revealed the moment we step willfully into its light, bringing nothing with us but minds open to God?

Love,
Sean