We all need to go to The Potter ...as often as necessary.
Earthen ware vessels, having passed through the rough, uncaring hands of the world...often acquire chips. With continued careless handling, those chips lead to cracks and, eventually, the cracks begin to leak.
The Potter takes a stiff, marred vessel that is in this condition and repairs it. The vessel, very sure of its ability to cope, goes back into the hands of the hard, cold world and it allows itself to be used in the same demeaning manner. And again, it begins to leak. Once more, The Potter reaches for, and repairs, the still rigid vessel. Still unconvinced of its frailties, the vessel returns to the anxious, waiting hands of the world. This time, cruel and subjective handling is inflicted upon it. So much so that it is almost entirely destroyed and now, along with the chips and the cracks...the leak...has become a gaping hole!
The vessel, now vulnerable and pliable, finally turns and finds its way back into the waiting hands of The Potter, who breaks and remakes it completely.
Brand new and reinforced, the vessel goes back into the world, however, now it has been refurbished by The Potter with new materials that make it not easily broken. And it has grown wise. Thus, when the first chip appears it hastens to the Potters House, however minute it may appear to be.
Yes, the earthen ware vessel has learned a hard lesson, but it now knows and readily accepts this fact; as long as it exists...it will always need to be repaired... by The Potter.
Hello JMS BELL. This is sooooo true and wonderful words for me to read. Especially at this particular time of mourning. I realize that I too must go back to the POTTER, for repair of broken heart & Spiritual reassurance. That "blessed assurance" that is sung often about in songs-of-Faith. Remembering that I am only the Lord's / God's vessel, placed here on earthly-ground... waiting only to work, serve & do what I am called by my heavenly FATHER to perform. I always look forward to your insightful-encouragement. Thanks again for your review of my poem..."yes Father". Reading "The Potter Poem" ... keeps my Spirit in Remembrance, that each day that God's Heavenly-Hands puts New Breath...New life...New daily-mission Calls into my vessel, I know that it is for OUR LORD-God...to bless-all! Thanks so very much. I truly enjoyed the read. Sincerely in the service of God, Your Sister in the Lord, ... Georgia M. McDowell.
Oh to be used by Him! To be that vessel He crafted us to be.
Life is so much easier when we "Let go and let God".
We are so very blessed to be molded by the Potter's Hand!
Wonderful!
his Blessings,
Dorothy
beautiful. when i visit congregations to recruit foster parents, often i use an interactive exercise with clay and describe OUR opportunity be to the hands of "The Potter" and shape the outcome of a child....your story reminds me the importance of how we all take shape!
thanks-
Reviewed by Shelby Zmudzinski
6/11/2011
Wow!!
So amazing!
I know I always feel lost in the cruel stage!
This is amazing, and written with so much heart. Thank you for writing it.
I believe I need The Potter. Uplifting and inspiring story, well told, Joyce. Your words carry in your readers heart and lend a bit of needed comfort. Thank you for sharing ~ Hugs, Elizabeth
Wisely stated. I love the picture and the caption, "I'm just a work in progress." Your story symbolizes that indeed, we are all children of challenge--and error. Those chips in our tender armor are but tokens of the trial and error attempts we've made down the road of life--and as we make them we need a strong supporter to guide us: symbolically, the potter.
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
