Stories have had the magical power to captivate our attention ever since we were young and learning about our brand new world. Even as we grow up, stories can still enchant and entertain us, and they often package valuable life lessons.
This story is called “The Cracked Pot” because it is a sweet anecdote with a powerful message. It serves as a good reminder to accept oneself as he/she is, and to celebrate the uniqueness that God created in each of us.
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A water bearer had two large pots, hung on each end of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full load of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the water bearer’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. This went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After a long time of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer one day, by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.
The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?” The pot replied, “For a long time I have been able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, “As we return to the house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trail, it still felt sad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about 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 many years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my house.
Without you being just the way you are, we would not have had this beauty to grace our house.”
- Author Unknown
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Each of has has our own strengths, but also our own “failures”, or what we might see as our flaws. We are all “cracked pots” in one way or another. God has designed and ordered His world so that nothing goes to waste. We may think like the cracked pot that we are inefficient or useless in certain areas of our lives, but, in fact, these flaws can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
This story reflects the common tendency to overlook our unique qualities as we compare ourselves to those around us. The dejected cracked pot felt so miserable about his deficiency at carrying water that he didn’t notice the lovely flower path he was helping to cultivate. The pot didn’t recognize his own talents because he was preoccupied with comparisons and self-criticism.
We need to accept our personal challenges as part of our beautiful individuality and direct our attention to our own personal strengths. Focusing on the positive aspects of ourselves allows us to amplify these qualities and share our goodness with those around us.
Recognize that God has given each of us a special set of skills and talents; appreciate your own uniqueness and embrace the positive impact you make on the world.
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So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” – Hebrews 10:35–36
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7
- Author Unknown
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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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