Being a Gracious Heart

By Laura V Hyde

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or the life of another.

--Helen Keller

Feeling gratitude toward all that we have and all that we are leads to a gracious heart. Being gracious toward our self and others speaks of a rich spirit, an abundant mind and an inner power that can manifest healed relationships, vitality, genuine prosperity and both inner and world peace. Being expansive validates our worth and reminds us that we deserve to experience all that our heart desires.

Further, graciousness allows us to forgive our self and others for past mistakes. Growth, awakening and healing requires forgiveness. Without forgiveness we end up distorted with guilt. Our spirit cannot shine under veils of guilt because guilt separates us. Forgiveness gently connects to us our deepest self-love-and the love within another. It inspires us to relish all the wonderful aspects of our life, which in turn, allows more love to pour forth, creating a consistent wellspring of balance, happiness and peace.

As we enter into the celebration of the holiday season, we are reminded to give thanks and to keep our hearts open. This means forgiving any persons we believe are responsible for the pain and suffering that has occurred from the events on September 11, 2001. For truly, not in spite of, but because of the crisis, have we not witnessed a massive outpouring of love?

I'm reminded of a story I once read involving a group of geography students who were studying the Seven Wonders of the World: "At the end of the lesson, the students were asked to list what they considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall.

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The quiet girl replied, 'Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many.' The teacher said, 'Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.' The girl hesitated, then read, 'I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. To touch
2. to taste
3. to see
4. to hear.'

She hesitated a little, and then said:

5. To run
6. to laugh
7. and, to love.'"

Love is the greatest force of all and has the power to heal and transform anything, from the smallest challenge in your life to the world's largest crisis. Negating your self and your ability to make a meaningful difference in someone's life does not bring forth change or abundance. You must be willing to focus on your immense power to heal in order to create a lasting, positive result and genuine abundance. A Course in Miracles teaches us that we do not question the staggering power of our minds as much as we fear the responsibility from having such power.

Right now is an important time to keep in mind that we are joined not through our bodies, but through our thoughts. And each thought you have is either causing you to feel separated from others, or, connected to a larger whole. It's not enough for us to join with other Americans, for God does not distinguish between the people from America, Afghanistan, or Japan. We must be willing to release the man-made boundaries that exist within our mind and join with all people and all living things.

Everything is pure energy. As powerful transmitters, we are constantly broadcasting our beliefs into the universe. Like magnets, our thoughts create a dynamic force field, attracting people, resources and events into our life. Since each of our circumstances reflect our self-perception, our lives are enhanced by focusing not on our perceived darkness, but on our inherent light.

Never underestimate the effect your thoughts, words and actions have on others. Simply getting quiet and saying a silent prayer for someone can be as powerful as tithing money or donating your time and talents. When we undervalue the importance of our efforts, it is because we have forgotten the magnitude of our human capacity. Each of us is a "wonder of the world" just as much as nature's wonders. And as we join our minds, remain centered on the light, and appreciate our life, we become miracle workers capable of creating wondrous results.

A gracious heart makes a meaningful difference to those closest to us and to those throughout the world. May your gracious heart be reminded today of those things which are truly wondrous.

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