A water bearer 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, and while the other pot 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, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer by the stream.
“I am ashamed and want to apologise to you.”
“Why?” asked the 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. Because of my flaws, you have to do all this work, and don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the cracked pot, and said, “As we return I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of 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.
The bearer said, “Did you notice there were flowers only on your side of your path? I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. I have been able to pick these 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.”
MORAL: Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. It’s our differences that make us unique and beautiful.
