Fake Pearls (Lenten Reflection)
I heard a story recently that has become a mantra for me in these early days of Lent. It's the story of a four-year-old girl named Mary whose favorite possession was a strand of fake pearls. Mary wore her pearls everywhere - to preschool, to bed, in the bathtub. One night, Mary's dad came into her room to tuck her in and asked, "Mary, do you love me?" Surprised, Mary responded, "Yes, Daddy. I love you lots." "Then give me your pearls," her dad said. Mary offered her father any of her games or toys but protested that she couldn't possibly give up her pearls.