The following poem is an entertaining reminder to nurture your unique talents,embrace and accept the traits of others that challenge you, as well teach you the importance of perception.
The Cracked Pot
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each she hung on 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. For two years this went on daily with the woman bringing home only one and half pots of water.
Of course the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it could do only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream, “I am ashamed of myself because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”
The old woman smiled, “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. 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.”
Remember you and all your “cracked pot” familyand friends have unique and special gifts if you choose to perceive them as something to be cherished. Remember also keep things in perspective and “stop and smell the flowers” along your path in life.
Amy McCae 