The Necklace

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  “SHE WAS one of those pretty, charming young ladies, born, as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, appreciated, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. . . .  She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She felt that she was made for them. She had such a desire to please, to be sought after, to be clever, and courted.” —THE NECKLACE Guy de Maupassant    France, 1884 (pic by Grok) Read this short story here:  https://americanliterature.com/author/guy-de-maupassant/short-story/the-necklace

Lessons From My Children (and Grandchildren)

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Having a small child around the house again has brought some long-forgotten lessons back to me. For example, have you ever noticed how easily a child is quited and amused with trinkets, toys, etc--as long as he or she is not hungry? Once those pangs hit, we quickly learn that NOTHING will satisfy but what it craves--food.

So it is with man and the matters of the soul. Music, flowers, incense, candles, banners, processions, clothes, acccessories, ceremonies, etc. may all do well under certain conditions, but once he or she feels the need of the soul, there is no contentment in anything save Him alone who completely satisfies.

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