A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole
which he carried across his 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 walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot
arrived only half full. For a full two years 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 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 had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water
bearer one day by the stream. I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to
you. I have been able to deliver only half 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 have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts,
" the pot said.
The bearer said to the 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 about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and
every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been
able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being
just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.
But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very
interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they
are, and look for the good in them.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
Blessings to all my crackpot friends.