Day 21

The person who dives for pearls
is never satisfied to come up with shells.
Neither should those who aim at virtue
be satisfied
with honors and reputation.

The more virtue parades itself,
the more it desires to be seen and acclaimed,
the less likely it is
to be real and true.

True virtue and personal attractiveness
are not rooted and supported
in pride, self-sufficiency, and vanity.
These produce a life lived
strictly for show.
It blooms brilliantly
and quickly withers away.

Having the appearance of virtue
may be fine for those
who do not seek it,
who accept it indifferently,
and who do not mistake the shell for the pearl.
But it can become very dangerous and hurtful
to those who cling to it,
and take delight in it.

For if someone
is truly wise, truly learned,
truly generous and noble,
their gifts will flower
in true humility and modesty.

A really great soul
will not waste itself on such empty goods
as rank, honor, and form.
It has higher aspirations.

A suggestion for your prayer and meditation:

All Through the Day; seek the pearl, not the shell.

(from Set Your Heart Free; The Practical Spirituality of Francis de Sales)
Pastor Patty Fox 40 days with 40 Christian mystics

I think we very often miss the pearl because all we see is the shell.