567- The Cracked Pot

Mike used to carry two large pots; each hung from the end of a pole which he carried across his neck, to get water from the well to his lord’s palace. The pot on his left had a crack in it. Therefore, it always arrived half full. One day, the perfect pot mocked at the cracked one saying proudly, “You’re a cracked pot and you always lose most of your water. You’re just a burden over Mike’s shoulder. It will be better for him to throw you away and ask his master to buy a new one.”

The cracked pot cried bitterly for hearing such words. Mike noticed it crying so he asked it, “Why are you crying?”

It replied, “Don’t you hear such words of mocking? I’m really ashamed of myself, as you don’t get full benefit for your efforts because of the crack in me.”

Mike smiled and said kindly, “Why are you sad? I’m happy with you. Look at the road from the well to the palace, you’ll find that there are wonderful flowers only on the left side of the path. This view cheers me up every time I pass by it.”

The pot asked him, “What am I to do with such beautiful flowers?”

He answered, “When I learned of your flaw, I planted flower seeds on your side of the road and every day while we were walking to the palace, you were watering them. I’m a clever man who can make good use of every thing.”

The cracked pot rejoiced and thanked God for letting Mike think this way and benefit from its imperfection.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: الجرة المشقوقة.

Oh God! You are really a very clever Artist.

Please, have a look at me. I’m just a cracked pot.

But You know well how to make good use of my imperfections.

You are really perfect; You turn all matters to my benefit.

A Sea of Glass

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Preaching the Unconditioned Love