Saturday, April 16, 2011

The Parable of the Cracked Pot

 

This could lend itself to all kinds of funny, I know, I know.

Unfortunately, I’m swinging a little low these days so I’ve got nothing.

I love this story, I found it on Beyond Blue.

 

A water-bearer carries two large pots on a yoke across his shoulders up the hill from the river to his master’s house each day. One has a crack and leaks half its water out each day before arriving at the house. The other pot is perfect and always delivered a full portion of water after the long walk from the river.

Finally, after years of arriving half-empty and feeling guilty, the cracked pot apologized to the water-bearer. It was miserable. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t accomplish what the perfect pot did.”

The water-bearer says, “What do you have to apologize for?'”

“After all this time, I still only deliver half my load of water. I make more work for you because of my flaw.”

The man smiled and told the pot. “Take note of all the lovely flowers growing on the side of the path where I carried you. The flowers grew so lovely because of the water you leaked. There are no flowers on the perfect pot’s side.”

I love the story because the perfect pot wasn’t the bad guy—he still got the water to the master but the cracked pot had a purpose too, a redeemable quality--

Some days, a few flowers a long the path means everything…….

And some days the Atonement means even more…..

10 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

I've always like this story, too, and I espeically like your take on it.

Thanks.

=)

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I love that story!
So beautiful.

DesertHen said...

I have always liked that story! And thank you for sharing it on a day when I was feeling less than perfect.

Thank you for all of the sweet comments you have left on my blog. They really brighten my days! =)

(((HUGS)))

alpinekleins said...

I'm going to remember this one, as most days I am probably the "cracked" pot - ha!

Kristin

tammy said...

I loved this. There's been so many times when I've felt like I haven't measured up, or that my family has so far to go to be like so-and-so's family. Sometimes it makes you want to stop trying. I need gentle reminders telling me that as long as I'm trying and as long as I'm on the path, He will make up the difference where I fall short. Thanks for this.

Jess said...

I'm so glad to know that Heavenly Father makes things work out just right- even for us crack pots, I mean cracked pots!

Nana said...

That was a great post!

onlymehere said...

Good thought to start my day with!

karen said...

It IS a beautiful story, isn't it? Thanks for reminding me of it. I so enjoy your take on things, and the fact that it makes me ponder in a different direction.

Cheeseboy said...

Very cool. Perfect for Easter.