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After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the
water bearer one day by the stream. "I'm ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to
you."
"Why?" asked the water bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this
crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Be-
cause 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 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 sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path,
and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad
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 the 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've walked back from the stream, you've
watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beau-
tiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just
the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his
house."
Our flaws make us perfect in God’s eye.
Prayer
God, who is perfect and made each of us in his own image
Help us to use our gifts to make your world a more beautiful place.
We ask this in your holy name.
Amen.