A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends

of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a

crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered

a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the

cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this

went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half

pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was

proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection,

and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what

it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it

spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. I am ashamed of

myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver

only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to

leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you

have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your

efforts," the pot said.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers

only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's

because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds

on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered

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