An honest look into the deepest part of my heart will
reveal that I have no desire for worldly recognition. While I often attach my name to the things I
write, and the web pages I control, this is only done for the sake of creating
a reference point and never in hope of gaining personal attention or glory.
However, I cannot claim the same in regard to the truth I
possess. The truth I possess is of great
value and is worthy of worldwide attention.
This truth is my pearl of
great price, and I want all men to recognize its beauty. I do not desire praise or recognition for
owning the pearl; instead, it is the glorification of the pearl I seek. My desire to share the beauty of this gem
compels me to knock on doors around the world in hope of finding just one who
will appreciate it value.
I knock on door after door after door, yet never find
that which I seek. Most simply ignore my
presence as I stand at their door, and those who do respond to my knock, fail
to show any real interest in the treasure I possess. It is often acknowledged that my pearl is
beautiful, but never does it generate the response and excitement it deserves.
Many a time, my
audience at the door will apologize for their lack of excitement but then go on
to explain that they already own a pearl of similar value and beauty. Skeptical to the claim that such a pearl as
mine can exist elsewhere in the world, I will ask to see the stone that
competes with mine. To my request they
comply and fetch the treasure from their vault, but always, it is the
same. The object they produce proves to
be nothing but a poorly fabricated fake.
When this happens, I try to educate my gullible listener
as to why their stone has no value. I
hold my pearl of great price next to the imposter and point out the glorious
and obvious characteristics of that which is real. My hope and expectation is that my listener
will eagerly toss aside their trinket and purchase a share in the pearl I
possess. But never does my hope take
flight. Instead it is crushed by the
reality that the owner of the trinket has no concern that they own a fake. Instead, it is expressed that they are
content with what they have.
“It kind of
looks like a pearl,” they will say. “And
that is all that really matters to me.”
l leave these encounters quite grieved and
discouraged. It never makes sense to me
that one can fail to be moved by the beauty of what I hold. Yet, over and over and over again that is
what I find. Eventually, the grief and
discouragement will get the best of me.
I will put my pearl away and vow to never show it again.
Such a strategy will work for a time, but eventually I
will hear the pearl calling from my vault.
In response, I open my vault to once more look upon my prize. As I see it in its entire splendor, I again
find myself overcome with the need to show it to the world. So here I stand, pearl in hand, ready to go
forth once more.
Tomorrow, I will display my pearl in the market
place. I will rent my booth and take my
place next to the other merchants of the world.
If history can be used to predict the future, I know what to
expect. My booth will remain empty as
the other merchants struggle to keep up with their crowds. Unfortunately, the goods they sell are
worthless trinkets, but the customers never seem to mind so long as the price
is right.
If it is a really good day, one person might just stop by
to examine the prize I offer. They will
pick up the jewel, look it over and take full notice of its beauty. At which time, they will ask “how much for
your pearl?”
Then I will reply, “It will cost you the same that it
cost me ----- everything.”
At that time, my potential customer will pause and
consider.
My heart never fails to burst with hope as this time of
consideration takes place. “Just maybe”
I hope, “this will be the one.” But all
too soon, I see the look wonder shift to sadness. They will put the pearl down, then move on to
the next merchant and purchase a white, round, plastic bead at a price they are
willing to pay.
Regardless of these past disappointments, I hope for
better things tomorrow. Just maybe - tomorrow will be the day
maker of all pearls will open up the eyes of the blind so they can see the
glorious splendor of this jewel I possess.
