[Story] The Cracked Pot

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Listen to the beautiful story if you are on a move or read it down below

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A long long time ago there was an elderly Christian woman. She lived in a small village in the french countryside. She used to carry water from a stream near the forest to her house in two large clay pots, each hanging on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

This went on daily, for two years, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments and was always berating the other pot.

– Look at you, you’re a disgrace. Instead of helping this dear old lady bring enough water to last her for 2 full days, you let half of your load seep out through a crack.

– I am so ashamed of this imperfection. I too see our lady getting old and tired and I do want to save her the trouble of going to the stream every day.

– Why can’t you be more like me and do the job properly? This is what we’re made for, after all.

– I am trying to keep the water in, I really am…but I am not able. No matter what I do, I’m half empty by the time we get home.

– You’re no good, doing only half your job and adding to this old lady’s troubles!

– You’re right. I am good for nothing. I don’t deserve to exist.

And life went on in the same way, day by day, with the poor pot getting more sad and upset by the day.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, the cracked pot decided to speak to the woman by the stream.

– I am so ashamed of myself because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. It might be better if you bought a new pot for the job. I’m no good.

The old woman smiled with kindness,

– Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.

– So I’m not useless?

– Not at all. You’re very helpful in fact. I pick some of these flowers weekly and sell them at the market and with the money I make I can feed myself for the week.

– I am very relieved. I feared that I was adding to your burden

– The wisdom of the Creator takes care of everything. Without you being just the way you are, I wouldn’t be able to put bread on my table. There is a reason and purpose for everything, even when we cannot see it.

Hearing this, the other pot felt ashamed for berating the cracked one.

– I apologize, my friend. I was too proud and blind to see it. But now I’ve learned my lesson. One should have faith that the Creator has a plan for each of us and there is a reason for our imperfections. Instead of laughing at them or being harsh, we should be kind and supportive of one another. This way everything will be alright.

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