The Story of the Cracked Pot

There was once an elderly woman who lived on a quiet farm at the edge of a small village. Her land was known for its breathtaking beauty. Lush flower gardens bloomed in abundance, and vibrant flowers lined the paths. Birds, bees, and butterflies were drawn to her garden, carrying pollen far and wide. 

Villagers often wandered her garden paths, finding peace and even a sense of God’s presence in the colors and scents that surrounded them.

In front of her modest home, the old woman had two clay water pots that she had made herself. She fastened them to either end of a sturdy wooden pole, which she would rest across her shoulders each day as she made her way to the nearby stream. There, she would fill both pots with water and carry them back to empty into a large cistern, using the water throughout the day.

The pot on her right was new, made of fresh, smooth clay. Every day, it stood proudly, ready to fulfill its purpose, carrying a full pot of clear water.

The pot on her left, however, was old and worn, with a leaky crack running from the rim halfway down its side. 

Each day, when the woman walked back from the stream to empty the water for the cistern, the new pot would always be full, holding all its water. But the old, cracked pot would only have a small amount of water left to pour.

Over the days, weeks, and even years, the old pot began to feel increasingly ashamed that it could not carry more water. Finally, one evening, after another day of seeing itself as barely useful, the old pot could no longer keep silent.

Sadly, the cracked pot whispered, “Master, I’m broken. I’m so sorry that I leak and fail you every day. The other pot gives you so much fresh, clean water, but I give you less and less.”

The woman smiled. “Yes, I know you’re broken. But look up!  Along your side of the path. Do you see the wildflowers? I planted those seeds for you.”

“Each day, while we walk back from the stream, it is your water, quietly falling, that lets them bloom.”

The blossoms, the butterflies, the joy and beauty that others see in this place comes from what you think is your weakness. Through your cracks the water flows, and life flourishes.”

——-

This past Sunday, Pastor Jay reminded us that God’s power flows just as much through the ordinary as the spectacular; through vessels that are beautiful, useful, and yes, even cracked. When we fixate on the flaws, though, we miss how God is working through them. Our value isn’t in usefulness, but in being the beautiful creations of a loving God.

God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Our imperfections are what make us the best kind of vessels, the human kind.

So, acknowledge your cracks, but also remember: you bring beauty to the world simply by being you. 

What flowers will you water today?

Reflection Questions

• Where in your life do you feel “cracked” or weak, and how might God be using that very place to bring beauty or blessing to others?

• How can you begin to see the value in others’ flaws instead of focusing on what seems “broken”?

• What “flowers” might you be watering today—ways your life quietly nurtures faith, joy, or peace in those around you?

“The Story of the Cracked Pot” - author unknown