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That Pearl of great price, can never be found in the pursuit thereof. It is like a white winged Angel just ahead of us on the road, we hasten our steps to catch when it disappears around a curve, we increase our haste, only to see it disappearing around the next curve, but when we forget the pursuit and turn about we find it following us.
Or it is like a beautiful white flower, to obtain which we drag our weary feet and sagging spirits across the world vainly searching for it, but when we forget it and turn about with all diligence, giving all our powers to some worthwhile constructive work, lo we see it blooming on both sides of our pathway.
It requires [a] Diesel engined freight train filled with forebearance, self forgetfulness, tolerance of the faults of others, only intolerance of our own, tons of the sublimity of self control, and the power to see the good and the beautiful in all people, nature and consideration of others, gentleness and tenderness. A generous sprinkling of merriment and humor, carefully avoiding through carelessness or thoughtlessness even the slightest pinch of self centeredness, selfishness, envy, hatred or malice, which would sour the whole.
Oceans of love, above all and through all and shining like the rising sun on a spring morning.
Loving service to all mankind.
Stir vigorously and set in the warmest chamber of your heart, never allowing it to cool off.
Follow these rules faithfully, so that your spirit may be always attuned to hearing the rustling of a wing and seeing a star.
Annie Wheeler -- March, 1949
Miss Annie pictured in the family cemetery, or as she referred to it, "God’s Acre." [1940’s photograph]
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