Greetings All –
WHEN
OTHERS FAIL, LET THIS REMIND YOU of your need for Knowledge. Let your need for
Knowledge not be underestimated. Thus, you need not respond with condemnation or judgment upon those who fail, but realize their great need and
your great need. This will only confirm, then, the depth with which you must
now prepare yourself. For you prepare yourself not only for your own
advancement and fulfillment, but for the advancement and fulfillment of humanity. This is no idle claim or
statement. It is absolutely the truth. For every step you take towards
Knowledge, you give your accomplishment to the world, and you lessen the burden
of all who struggle with their own fantasies and sense of failure.
YOUR LIFE, THEN, BECOMES YOUR TEACHING, for it is a
life of Knowledge. It demonstrates the presence of Knowledge in the world, which
is the presence of God. This happens as a result of your serving as an advanced
vehicle for Knowledge. In your advancement all human capabilities are furthered, all human liabilities
are dissipated and that which is most true and genuine in individual human life
in the world is exalted. And that which is beyond all human life, but which
contains human life, is affirmed as well. Therefore,
another’s failure is a call for your involvement with Knowledge. It is a call
for your advancement and strengthening because you have come into the world to
give.
REMIND YOURSELF OF THIS UPON THE HOUR and in your
two longer practice periods, actively engage your mind in comprehending this
idea. Think of every individual that you
think has failed and realize the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those
individuals serving you. Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and
within your life. They are committing errors to spark your commitment to Knowledge.
They are serving you in this regard, and this calls for your gratitude not your
condemnation. They are teaching you to value the valuable and to release the
meaningless. Think not they are not saving you time. They are saving you time. They
are demonstrating that which you need to learn and to accept. Therefore, commit
yourself to their well-being for teaching you to value Knowledge. As you value Knowledge,
the result of your value will be given back to them in return, and they will be
strengthened and honored by your accomplishment.
PRACTICE 245: Two 30-minute practice periods. Hourly practice.
Yesterday:
Returning to review this day in my life for Steps
was bound to be significant, as this was a day where my preparation through
Steps to Knowledge saved my life. The books talk about a need to be unburdened,
but what exactly is that? In my case, if you’ve read any of the biographical entries
that are mixed with the Steps practices, you’ve recognized a person who takes
his work too seriously, is having problems with personnel and his bosses, and
who would like a change, but doesn’t know how to get it.
On March 17, 2000, in the morning, I was met by two
Commissioners who informed me that my job was to change. I would be moved
laterally. As these two played the part of the strong, I repeated the Step in my head: “I am honored when
others are strong.” I’d anticipated
something for over a year and now it was
happening.
I this case, as I would later realize, Steps to
Knowledge/ Knowledge saved my life. Going forward there will be many difficult
days to survive as I mentally work through my work/ego failure. By sticking with Steps, a new freedom and recognition of the ultimate benefit overall emerges in the years ahead.
This happened so long ago, now 14 years, that I’d
forgotten the “save.” In 2012, meeting Kelvin in NYC, he commented that the
Allies and New Message had, “Saved his life.” That was a very strong witness impressed me. I'd not heard that before from a student. Thinking about it over several months I understood
how I had likewise been saved, way back in 2000. Such a witness is, I think, important to
expressing the value of this not-so-easy study to others. Heartfelt truth opens
hearts and minds to this New Message. Kelvin gave his to me; here is mine to current and future students: "Steps to Knowledge saved my life."
From the Journal:
3:50
a.m. Friday, March 17, 2000 – the annual housing report was a hit.
localregions.com
→ building local
regions
localregionswork.com
→ regional
community – a community is whole and therefore local
6:45
p.m. At Little Bear – the soon-to-be Executive Planner. I honor Knowledge for
preparing me for today's events which have freed me to go on – as necessary. At
the wall I marveled at the timing. Sarah, Cindy, me and Dan Malone's appearances.
So practice #2 I am honored when others are strong.
10:00
p.m. It is the region that counts not the Commission – I've much more in mind
than they can handle. Time to stay low and build strength.
The journal acknowledges the preparation that I
had, unknowingly, as I practiced to develop my Knowledge.
Some notes on the page.
Let us continue. May your unburdening be tolerable.
NNC
P.S. At Step 245, we are into Part Two of Steps, so
if you’ve found this and find some appeal in this or other Steps, you should
really go to the beginning blog post. From here you learn about Steps to Knowledge and
can begin it on the day that makes sense and then progress as needed. You can
use the posts on this blog as a companion if it helps. They will remain in
order in the archives - one per Step.
Often it takes 18 months to get through the Steps
once. For this blog, the pace is one-a-day, but it really makes no difference
how fast you do it, only that you begin, persist and repeat. Posts here provide
a trail that may let you have a virtual companion when and if you want one. One
may have to study alone, as I did in the beginning. There are other Steps
students blogging their experience and you might find a person more like you as
a companion, or use a number of such Steps journeys. There are options as well
through the Free School of the New Message.
