The Broken Pot
October 2003.

October 1, 2003


A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it. The other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk, from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily, the bearer could only deliver one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, it was perfect for the purpose it was created. However, the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half the purpose it was made for. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer one day, "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" For these past two years I have been able to deliver only half my load because of the crack in my side which causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do double work and walk more often to get the required amount of water from the stream." The pot said The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and 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 took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path. At the end of the path, the water bearer said to the cracked pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, and not on the other pot’s side? That is 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 walked back from the stream, you have watered them. For two years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have had this beauty to grace his house." We are all like the cracked pot. Each of us has our own unique flaws. Do not be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty and value to someone. Know that in our weakness we find our strength.