The potter makes many kinds of clay vessels. For his customers he makes works of art - ornate, gilded, sculpted vessels meant for decoration, and for these he commands a high price. For his own use, he makes a vessel that is practical, but serves an important function. The contents to be stored in it are precious to him and it must withstand the rigors of the workshop. He shapes this vessel according to the function it will serve - it is a simple pot of plain but elegant line. He uses the most durable clay that the earth has to offer, and fires the vessel repeatedly. The glaze he uses to protect this pot from the onslaught of daily accidents is particularly hard so that it is not easily chipped or scratched. There are no whimsical additions to it that might be easily broken. It is altogether a utilitarian object.
Day in and day out, the vessel serves its creator admirably. Due to its plainness it goes unremarked by visitors to the potter’s shop, yet it is much appreciated by the potter for its usefulness. Many years go by. One day the potter’s kiln catches on fire, and most of his wares are destroyed. Yet as he makes his way among the litter of broken bits of exploded pottery and melted glaze, he finds in the corner, the useful vessel - and when he lifts its lid, he finds its contents are still safely stored inside. It has not been harmed by the fire, for it had been through the fire many times - it was hardened by fire. Its clay was a most durable, earthy kind. It has not cracked, nor chipped, nor has its glaze run. In fact, as the potter studies this vessel, he sees that age and use, fire and rubbing, have only given the object a rare nacre of beauty, such as time and the elements invariably yield to earthy things. It has served its purpose admirably.
The potter empties the pot of its contents, and with his own hands he cleans this vessel with great care and affection. Then he fills it with pure water from his bright-flowing spring; from his field he gathers flowers of many rich and varied colors and arranges them within it, then he gives it a place of honor on his table. And all his household, when they see it, say; "What a lovely thing it is!"
Did not intend in any way for this to have apocalyptic overtones. The message was endurance - spiritual beauty can be brought out through life's challenges (going through the fire). Hopefully, each of us leaves this earth with a rich story, that of a person who rises to those tough challenges, finds his purpose with humble acceptance and seeks to serve. It reveals the natural beauty of his spirit and, in a way it makes him noble.
By the way, I have a kiln, since I am a sculptor. They can be dangerous and explosions happen. Thanks to all for your comments!
I understand the meaning in your parable quite well. That plain and ordinary people who have stood the test of life will be placed in place of honor after the apocalypse. Totally biblical in origin.
The idea that a kiln would be destroyed by fire seems utterly absurd. Perhaps you need another vessel for your parable than the potter and his kiln.
These song lyrics and art are tales, tides and twinkling lights - tunes telling stories of warmth and sun, city and sand, paths that lead, and the coins we can keep in the Karma Bank. Spirit's been bypassed for sorrow, dreaming of a better tomorrow .
