TWO CLAY POTS

We don’t remember them being there when we were young and perhaps they were not. We notice them now since we’ve grown older. May your ‘cracks’ make the path on which you walk more fruitful and beautiful than ever for all to enjoy. ~WT

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Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ ~ Isaiah 45:9

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~ TWO CLAY POTS[1] ~

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(This legend has been told in many forms, and it remains a favorite of mine.)

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There was a man who carried water to his village every day, in two large jars tied to the ends of a wooden pole he balanced on his back.

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The older of the two jars had some small cracks and every time the man covered the distance to his house, half the water was lost.

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For two years, the man made the same journey. The younger jar took pride in achieving the mission for which it had been made, while the older jar felt shame at fulfilling only half its task, even though the cracks came from many years of hard work.

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So one day it decided to speak to him: “I want to apologize, but due to the cracks resulting from many years of service, you are able to deliver only half my load, and quench half the thirst awaiting at your home.”

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The man smiled, and said: “When we return, observe carefully the path.”

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And so it did. And the jar noticed that on its side many flowers and plants grew.

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‘See how much more lovely it is on your side?” commented the man. “I always knew you were cracked, so I planted flowers and vegetables, and you have always watered them. I have picked many roses to decorate my home. I have fed my children with lettuce, cabbage and onions. If you were not as you are, how could I have done this?”

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But we have this treasure in jars of clay ... knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus ... ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7,14

I imagine my Lord may one day run his nail-scarred hand over cracks this ‘clay jar’ has acquired while following him, smile, and let them remain.

My old body will become a new body. But it will still be my body.

Thank you, Jesus. You are risen. You are risen indeed. Amen.

[1] We are reprising “Perspective” favorites we thought you’d enjoy for this summer.