A little water
About this episode
The episode reflects on the story of an Indian water bearer to illustrate how flaws can lead to unexpected beauty and the transformative power of Jesus.
As much of the UK bakes in yet another heatwave, I’m reminded of the story of an Indian water bearer. Every day he walked several miles to collect water for his home in two clay pots hung on a pole across his shoulders. One of the pots was cracked and by the time he got home it was always half empty. Eventually the pot felt so ashamed of its failure to carry a full load that it apologized. The carrier, however, responded by saying, “Have you not noticed that there are only flowers on your side of the path? I’ve always known about your flaw, so I planted seeds on the side of the path where I knew you would water them. The flowers that you have grown have brought beauty to my table.” Like the clay pot we are all flawed in some way, and it is easy to despair and only see the things we get wrong. Jesus, however, sees things differently. Like the water bearer he celebrates the good that we bring despite our failures. But then he goes even further by offering redemption and life in all its fulness. No wonder he says, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. With the transformation Jesus brings we can grow not just a few flowers but a whole…
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