An Indian legend tells of a man who carried water to his village every day, in two large jars tied to the ends of a wooden pole, which he balanced on his back.
One of the jars was older than the other, and had some small cracks; every time the man covered the distance to his house, half of the water was lost.
The younger jar was always very proud of its performance, safe in the knowledge that it was up to the mission it had been made for, while the other jar was mortified with shame at only fulfilling half of its allotted task.
It was so ashamed that one day, while the man got ready to fetch water from the well, it decided to speak to him...
The older jar said, "I want to apologize to you, but because of the many years of service, you are only able to deliver half of my load, and quench half of the thirst which awaits you at your home."
The man smiled and said, "When we return, observe carefully the path..."
And so it did. And the jar noticed that, on its side many flowers and plants grew.
"See how nature is lovelier on your side?" commented the man. "I always knew you were cracked, and decided to make use of this fact. Hence I planted flowers and vegetables and invariably you have always watered them for me. I have picked many roses along the way to decorate my house, I have fed my children with lettuce, cabbage and onions that grew along your way.
If you were not as you are, how could I have done that?", said the wise old man.
All of us at some point will grow old and start to acquire other qualities. We can always make the most of these new qualities and help our dear ones, all it requires is the ability to See Beyond the facts.
