My spiritual assignment for 2018

Well hello! It has been awhile since I kept up with my blog. I have missed writing up the inspirations and healing that have been a lovely part of my spiritual journey. A new year is a good time to set some goals and aspirations.
Serving as First Reader in our branch church gave me the opportunity to put together readings from the Bible and Science and Health about resolutions and the motives behind them. I once spent a year studying the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. It had been attacked by enemies who tore down the walls and destroyed the temple. Nehemiah wanted to help and was given permission and support from the king he served to do it. Is motive was a good one, an unselfish desire to help that demoralized community. rebuilding the walls was the result of their joint efforts to accomplish this despite the interference of their enemies.
Today I am grateful for Nehemiah's example. Knowing he was doing this to serve God he moved forward with confidence and compassion. He found a way to get everyone working together and he overcame all attempts to divert, intimidate and delay them. Those walls were back up in 52 days, a major achievement. But there was more to be done than just the physical reconstruction. the people needed to hear the word of God and be reminded of His laws. So Ezra was brought in to read aloud those passages of the Bible. It took all day and the people were downcast when they were reminded of their duty to God and each other.
Last year I dedicated time each day to pray with the Daily Duties Mrs. Eddy gave us in her writings. One thing I am going to do this year is set aside time each Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Eddy said that to her sense, "the Sermon on the Mount, read each Sunday without comment and obeyed throughout the week, would be enough for Christian practice." That Sermon is in Matthew's Gospel, chapters 5 - 7. It includes the Beatitudes, much guidance in loving others, the directive to be perfect, the Lord's Prayer, and the Golden Rule. It shows us how to build our 'house' (consciousness) upon a rock, a bedrock of spiritual Truth, Life and Love.
Listen quietly for direction for a spiritual assignment of your own. I'd love to hear what comes to you!