Artwork: by Michele Wright.

This post is a continuing reflection on the tale of two pots. 

Last week's entry explored the story from the perspective of the flawed pot who, perhaps a bit like ourselves, experienced cracks due to internal stress or outside trauma but still was able to yield seeds of beauty and growth. We discussed the ancient Japanese practice of Kintsugi which repairs broken pieces in a way that honors the flaws but forges a whole new expression of self. 

Photo: courtesy of A Beautiful Me, (Port Huron, Michigan)

This week, I'd like to explore who I think is the real hero of this story: the water-bearer.

Photo: courtesy of the WWII Museum: "Abyssinian water carrier," Ethiopia. 

The water-bearer is the one working diligently every day to carry water to the house. The water-bearer sees the faults of the cracked pot but does not mention them. The water-bearer finds a way to create beauty from the flaws and shows the flowers to the ashamed pot right when it is needed most. I love the water-bearer of this story! They have been planting seeds and nurturing flowers without taking any credit. They have partnered with the pot to bring beauty into the world.

Photo: by Aleksandr L. Kun, Khodzhent, Tajikistan.

When I reflect on the role of the water-bearer, it actually reminds me a lot of God. The water-bearer carries both those pots and treats them equally, just like God with us. We are here, like the pots, to serve his purpose, to bring life and wellness and beauty to others. He does not love any of us more than the others but, when we need support, he provides it.  I can think of many people in the Bible who, despite their flaws, persevered in God's purpose: David the adulterer, Peter the Christ-denier, and Paul persecutor of early believers.  All these flawed characters, however, were used by the Lord for his own purposes -- and seeds have been watered and grown with their stories ever since.  God bless the wildflowers!

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”  (John 7:38)

Artwork: courtesy of Bring Me 2 Life.