The Waters of Grace

"You say to me, "For the sake of the Divine reward, do not go into the water-tank without having washed."
But outside of the tank there is nothing but earth, no one who does not enter the tank is clean.
If the waters have not the grace enough to receive filth continually,
Alas for the lover's longing and hope! O sorrow, for the lover's everlasting sorrow!
In truth, the water has a hundred graces, a hundred noble compassions, for it receives the defiled ones and purifies them, and bestows peace.
Mount beyond this shop of hagglers to the shop of Bounty where God is the purchaser.
There, the Gracious One has purchased the piece of goods that no one would even look at, on account of its shabbiness.
With God, no base coin is rejected...
How long will you steal the words of the Saints of God, that you may sell them and obtain applause from the crowd?
Stop talking...Polish your heart for a day or two with silence: make that mirror your book of meditation.
That fortunate disciple, who has devoted herself to a blessed Saint, has become the companion of God.
You make friends with things because of the effect which they produce; why then are you ignorant of the One who produces all effects?
You make friends with people on the ground of fantasy: why do you not make friends with the King of west and east?"

Rumi (Vol.6, 1297-1319)

Commentary: We need to get friendlier with that ocean of grace...