I wanted to share this story with all of you. As a student of A Course In Miracles, one of my goals is to look at each moment as an opportunity to practice forgiveness.
I had one of those moments the other day. This was a subtle, yet very tangible experience of the power of forgiveness in our everyday lives.
I had just finished my night with the band I work with regularly in Las Vegas. A patron had thrown a $100 chip up onto the stage as a tip.(Nice!) So I went to the casino cage to cash in this chip so the band could split it up.
As I was waiting in line, another man came up and simply walked right in front of me. He did not look my way, he just acted as if I was invisible, and proceeded to stand in front of me. So, my first instict is, like, “uh, you are NOT going to cut in front of me, pal”, and I started getting all tense and red in the face and all that. And this guy, who cut, then was grumbling to himself about how long it was taking in the line!! He was saying things like “Oh, man what are they doing back there?, oh, come ON!!” …Geez.
But then I remembered the Course and what it says, so I thought about looking at this situation differently. I thought, what does it matter if he goes first anyways? Is it going to kill me if I wait an additional 30 seconds to cash in this chip which I was lucky enough to get in the first place? You know, maybe this guy just gambled away his whole house or something!
So, I let it go, and I relaxed.
Something amazing happened. Not more than 2 seconds after that thought, this man turned, looked directly at me, and took his place in line behind me! I was amazed.
This forgiveness stuff really works. Just like the Course teaches , if you choose to see things differently, you WILL.
Love and Forgiveness,
Jamie
That's cool.
I remember waiting in line a few years ago at a fast food place and this guy just cuts right in, in front of me and about eight other people. I'm like, "Hey pal, can't you see there's a line?!" all in his face. He said that he was there before, he just had to 'step out' for a second. Of course I didn't believe him and said something about respecting the rules of decent society. No one said a thing – unitl after he placed his order and took his seat. Then some woman said "He really was already in line." How embarrassing! Of course I was too mortified, or maybe too proud to apologize. And instead of thinking about the mistake I had made, I blamed everyone in line for not speaking up!
Well, things have certainly changed since then. Recently,a young woman cut ahead of me at a store return line, and I raised my hand about halfway with the intent to say something, but I stopped. I realized that I had no place to be, and the few seconds that I was delayed only meant that I would end up exactly where I was supposed to be at exactly the right time. And I didn't have any attachment to 'my place in line'. My place in line meant nothing to me, but it may have for her. Anyway, I just smiled and shrugged my shoulders. And that goofy smile stuck on my face the whole time I was in that store.
I am learning more and more the power of forgiveness. Forgiving others, and of forgiving myself. We are all innocent.
I loved your beautiful story. I'm a student of ACIM's also. I'm still reading the text, I think i'm around Ch18 or so, i've been skipping around and reading the Songs of Prayer and the Psychoanalysis sections at the very back of the book. My entire life has changed since i've been a student and i'm eagerly anticipating the 365/lessons, my goal is to begin the lessons on Jan 1st.
Hugs, Lily
http://www.thechopracommunity.org ~ Join us!
Thanks for the comment Lily! I actually did the lessons before reading the text. I haven't gotten through the entire text yet. I highly recommend reading Gary Renard's books. They really helped me understand the Course's fundamental teachings. Start with "The Disappearance of the Universe". So good!!!!
-Jamie Hosmer
James – Your story reminds me that the patience and respect we share with others carries energy that is imbued with the potential for transformation. As I get older, I try to take advantage of the opportunity that standing in line brings me to breath deeply and appreciate the present moment. I will remember the lesson of your charity the next time someone jumps my place and the opportunity it brings. Love, Greg