Imperfection

 We constantly strive to be what in our minds is perfect. Sometimes, it haunts us and the constant battle against our imperfections weighs heavy in our hearts. But, know this; the most beautiful things in this world are flawed. Some are considered rare. Although some can be microscopic, every diamond has a flaw and its beauty can still sparkly in the eyes of those who behold the gems splendor.

 Many things in our daily life hold imperfections.  There is a tree I frequently pass that only grows branches on the left side. The right side is completely flat with only bark. I find this tree, with all its flaws, beautiful.  I can think of a million other things that are flawed that captivate me – things that I love, including my one-eyed cat. Can you?

 The imperfections and flaws that make natural elements so beautiful, is the uniqueness that makes us all beautiful, imperfect humans. :)

Embrace your imperfection. You. Are. Beautiful.

Cracked-Pot

 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 a lot 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 not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!