A Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on opposite ends of a pole, which he bore across his neck. One of the pots had a small crack in it. The other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot always arrived half full. This went on for many years, with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishment. The poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection. One day, it spoke to the water bearer while he was collecting water by the stream.

“I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”
“Why?” asked the water bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“Because of my crack, water leaks out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaw, you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot replied.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot. In his compassion, he said. “ As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot saw beautiful wild flowers dancing merrily in the sun.

The water bearer then said to the cracked pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known of your flaw , and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the master’s table. Without you just the way you are, he would not have beauty to grace his house.”


Beautiful story, eh?
Actually, all of us are cracked pots, each with our own flaws. But that does not mean we should be ashamed of them. We acknowledge our flaws, our imperfections. We tell ourselves that despite our imperfections, God has a plan for us. All of us have our roles in making the world a beautiful place to live in.

Cheers!