Walking in Newness
An old parable tells of a water bearer who carried two large pots suspended on a pole across his shoulders. One of the pots was flawless, always delivering a full measure of water. The other, however, was cracked, and by the time they reached the master’s house, it had leaked half its water. This routine continued for years. The water bearer faithfully brought home only one and a half pots of water daily. The perfect pot was proud of its performance, while the cracked pot lived in shame. One day, unable to bear its guilt, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer. “I am so ashamed of myself. I apologize for failing you,” it said. The water bearer smiled gently. “Why do you feel ashamed?” he asked. “For years,” the pot replied, “I have delivered only half my potential because of my flaw. My crack causes water to leak out before we reach the master’s house.” The man, still smiling, said, “Today, as we walk back, I want you to pay attention to the path.” As they traveled, the cracked pot ...