The Cracked Pot

The Cracked Pot (click link to audio story)

This is an ancient Chinese folk story about purpose...and acceptance. It is, really, about recognizing that flaws are gifts and that imperfections are necessities.  While the story itself is short, the implications are significant.

The two pots seem to have a similar purpose:  to carry water from the river to the home.  However, one pot is cracked--imperfect--and is unable to hold all of the water for the journey.  The poor pot becomes more and more unhappy as it recognizes that it is unable to fulfill its purpose.  Unbeknownst to the pot, the woman who carries the two pots daily has not only seen the unique gift the pot brings to the world, she has exploited it over time and is able to show the pot the beauty created out of the pot's purported failure.  In the end, the pot has brought beauty to the world and the woman has shown the pot its true value.  

We are all cracked pots; we have beautiful imperfections that affect our world in profound and unique ways.  And, perhaps more importantly, we often do not see our own gifts so it is critical that we show others the value they possess.

Enjoy!