appearance and reality are often two very different things; forced to choose, I choose reality every time. why? reality may be less pretty, more painful, less glamorous, more mundane, but reality is always more, well, real. let’s face it, appearance is by definition a mere “apparition” or image of something, not the thing itself.
I’d rather have nothing than have the appearance of something, while lacking the very substance of that thing I so desire, whatever it might be. An empty reality is preferred over an abundant appearance every time. Appearance has no ability to satisfy, to challenge or to reveal truth. Reality reveals truth, challenges me to face that truth and grow, and therefore ultimately has the potential to satisfy. Appearance has no staying power, she is an image, an illusion, an apparition fleeting by nature. Reality provides me the power to relate to others who dare to be real as well.
So buyer beware; things/people are not always as they appear to be. In fact, almost never.
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
sincerely, Grace Day
I love that verse, that was from our first reading at mass on Tuesday.
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