A Story for Parents to Inspire their Children

A STORY FOR PARENTS TO INSPIRE THEIR CHILDREN
Musings on Parenting

By

VIKRAM KARVE

THE STORY OF THE CRACKED POT

A water bearer had two large pots – one hung on each end of a pole – which he carried across his neck. 

One of the pots had a crack in it – so – some water leaked out of it.

The other pot was perfect and had no leaks – so – this “perfect pot” always delivered a full portion of water. 

At the end of the long walk by the water bearer carrying water from the river to the master’s house – the cracked pot always arrived only half full. 

For two years this went on daily – with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. 

Of course – the “perfect pot” was proud of its accomplishments – fulfilled in the design for which it was made.

But – the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection.

The cracked pot felt miserable that it was unable to accomplish what it had been made to do.

The “cracked pot” felt it was a “Loser” – while the “perfect pot” was a “Winner”

After two years of enduring this bitter shame – the contrite Cracked Pot spoke to the Water Bearer one day when he was filling up water from the river.

The Cracked Pot said to the Water Bearer: 

“I am ashamed of myself and I apologize to you.”

The Water Bearer asked the sad Cracked Pot: 

“Why are you feeling so guilty, so penitent, so repentant …? Tell me – Dear Pot – what is it that you are so ashamed of…?”

The Cracked Pot said full of remorse: 

“I feel sorry that for these past two years 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 master’s house. Because of my flaws – you have to do extra work and you do not get full value from your efforts.”

The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old Cracked Pot. 

In his compassion – the Water Bearer said to the Cracked Pot: 

“As we return to the master’s house – I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed – as they went up the hill – the old Cracked Pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful flowers on the side of the path – and was consoled somewhat.

But at the end of the trail – the Cracked Pot still felt remorse – shame and a feeling of guilt – because it had leaked out half its water load.

And so again – the Cracked Pot apologized to the Water Bearer for its failure.

The Water Bearer said to the Cracked Pot:

“Did you not notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path – and not on the other pot’s side…?

That is because I have always known about your flaw – and – I took advantage of it. 

I planted flower seeds on your side of the path – and – every day while we walked back from the stream – you have watered them. 

For two years – I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. 

Without you being just the way you are – would we have these beautiful flowers on the path – and would I be able to give these lovely flowers to the master – to grace his house.

The “perfect pot” only carries water – but you do two things – you carry water – and – you also help beautify your surroundings too...” 

MORAL OF THE STORY

There are no winners and there are no losers – everyone is a winner in his or her own way.

Yes – you are a winner in your own way 

Each of us has our own unique flaws. 

We all are cracked pots. 

But – it is the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding and make you unique. 

You must consider each person for what he naturally is – and look for the good qualities in him.

Every person is useful to society in his own way – just like the cracked pot was useful in its own way.

Most importantly – you must look for the winner within your own self – maybe hiding deep inside you. 

If you introspect – you will realize that you are a winner in your own way.

So – please do not compare yourself with others – and – do not pay too much heed to what other people say. 

The STORY OF THE CRACKED POT is for parents, teachers, mentors – especially for those – who want to achieve their own unfulfilled dreams – their unrealized desires – and – their unrealistic ambitions – vicariously – through their children and protegees. 

Such people put a lot of pressure on children – they drive the poor kids – and – they overwhelm them with high expectations.

Everyone wants their children to be the best – all parents want their children to stand first in class and excel in all activities. 

Everyone wants to “WIN”

In the “Rat Race” to Success – there is no place for “LOSERS” 

There is no place for even those who come second.

In the competitive world of today – we all adopt the philosophy of life: 

“Winner takes all – and – Loser is left standing small...”

This story is also for those perfectionists – at the workplace and at home – who expect everyone to be perfect like themselves – and this quest for perfection – they make everyone’s life hell…

Most importantly – this story is for you and me – for all of us – who want to be winners in our own way… 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This Story was posted online by me a number of times in my blogs including at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/03/cracked-pot-teaching-story.html andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/02/are-you-cracked-pot.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/are-you-loser-inspirational-story-to.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/03/cracked-pot-teaching-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/do-you-think-you-are-loser-remember.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/11/childrens-day-story.html etc