A.R.E. Study Groups in Arizona

February 26

Hanging On to the Ideal

Individuals may at times fall short. If this happens in trying to do that which they believe is sincere, the effort is viewed in the light of the understanding they had.

Based on Edgar Cayce reading 2982-1

Laura had tried to put her ideals into practice and had apparently failed. She had chosen the word service to describe her spiritual ideal for the year; therefore, she had volunteered to be chairperson of the bazaar that each year raised several thousands of dollars for a local charity.

She expected few problems because everyone supported this cause and was surprised at the obstacles she encountered. A few people refused to donate items because the previous year someone had hurt their feelings. Some refused to work with other people because of petty jealousies. As a result, Laura couldn't get the cooperation necessary to make the bazaar as successful as in the past.

As she thought about this frustrating experience, she realized that even with high ideals she wouldn't always be able to accomplish what she wanted. That's when she began to understand the difference between spiritual ideals and other goals. Her material goal had been to raise more money than in previous years, but she had failed to accomplish that goal. Her spiritual ideal was service to the charity; in that she was a success.

She also realized it was the ideal behind her actions that had always left its mark on her life. From now on she would judge her experience and what she had learned by how well she remained faithful to that ideal.

APPLICATION: Do one thing today because of a good ideal and do not judge success or failure by the immediate results.