“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45–46)
An oyster spends almost its entire life stuck in a single spot. It opens its shell only to filter food from the water.
Oysters are considered a gourmet delicacy by some. However, its ability to produce an exquisite gem is probably its most extraordinary claim to fame.
A pearl begins its life as a parasite, an irritant — a microscopically small intruder that drills through the oyster’s shell and makes its home inside.
To protect itself, the oyster covers the parasite with its mantle and secretes layer upon layer of calcium carbonate, known as ‘nacre’. Over time, this multi-layering forms a beautiful pearl.
That which irritates you most, if you protect it, may become for you the pearl of great price.
Manihiki is a remote coral atoll in the northern Cook Islands, famously known as the ‘Island of Pearls’. The island produces black pearls.
So, if the irritant in your life turns you black, have no concern, have no fear — you are just as precious, and just as sought after.