We were introduced to the interesting facts as children. We learned about the irritation of the bit of sand on the soft interior. We learned about the gradual layering and layering of smoothness. The smoothness to protect, to the point of creating a surface of luminous, reflected light… so smooth.
As fascinating as that transformation is, there is something even more interesting: how it comes to rest in the palm of a hand, observed and appreciated, admired.
Does it serve us in our evolutionary path? We don’t eat it; we don’t need it for simple survival or to perpetuate our kind, yet people have gone to great lengths for centuries to bring this wonder up onto dry land, to place it before eyes, to feel it, to hold it up to the light.
Cynics would say its value is due to demand, due to rarity… thinking in only monetary terms. But of course some people can have the full, glorious unfurling of creation all around them and they still don’t see it… and there you have the proverbial swine, only interested in how to eat it or just not seeing it at all.
The ability to appreciate a pearl for what it is… that is something important to recognize about the best part of our nature. As human animals we can look back into the eyes of creation. This is its true value.
Thank you for being my pearl.
