Sometimes when we least expect a miracle, they come our way. In fact, the more conscious we become of the many miracles that pass through our lives all the time, perhaps escaping our attention, the more we see that amidst all the tragedies, ups and downs of life, it does go on in many wonderful ways.
There are times when we get so focused on what is temporarily clouding up our existence ---- or discouraged about the seeming imperfections we bring to our own life and work ---- we miss noticing the contributions we are bringing to those needing our love, attention and leadership at home and at work.
A friend sent me a story that I have read before. In fact, I've read several versions of it reflecting different countries. However, this version came at a perfect time. With many things on my mind and also knowing of others close to me with doubts pulling at their heartstrings --- and many of you out there ---- many of us struggling to see all what we are and all that we bring to the world with our perfect imperfections, this story at this time seemed a perfect remembrance to share:
The Cracked Pot
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung
on the 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. 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
woman bringing home only one and a 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
only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 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."
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the
cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives
together so very interesting and rewarding.
~Author Unknown
May we all see the perfect imperfections in ourselves ... and in others.
Look for the good and you will surely find it.
Debbe Kennedy
founder Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
We invite YOU to visit Women in the Lead at www.globaldialoguecenter.com/women
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