We, as vessels, are hollow and are filled literally with sustenance by way of food and other nutrients necessary for energy-filled days, but we are also vessels of ingredients that make up our character which are manifested through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Earthenware vessels are made of clay. The essence of clay is that it is malleable. Its nature allows it to be molded and shaped by a more powerful force, i.e. the potter. Friend and Art teacher, Ms. Homanick says of clay: "Clay is essentially the earth. It's both familiar and unpredictable. It is flexible and can be configured to your needs." Our life is like one of these vessels. We've been 'configured' by the influences of genetics and our environment. Experiences have placed a unique stamp on each one of us. No vessel is exactly the same. Now, as a young adult, after the clay pot has been fired, are we proud of how it's adorned? Are we conscientious as to what we place inside of it?
Vessel comes from the Old French word, vaissel. As a noun it can mean a tube in which body fluid circulates, a watercraft, or a hollow object or utensil used as a container especially for liquid. As a hollow vessel, its purpose is to be filled...poured...and used.
Martin Luther King reminds us, what is important and true is that we are measured by the content of our character, or metaphorically, by the substance in our vessel---Along the way, how many drops of generosity do we have inside which help guide our motivations and actions? How many ounces of knowledge do we have in our mind? How many cups of compassion have we accumulated in our heart?
When we pour ourselves out to others, and the contents are revealed, are they honorable? Are they healthy and whole? If we are vessels, do we consistently make sure our lives are made beautiful and fit in order to fulfill a meaningful purpose?
We should all, at the very least, be aware of what we're filling our minds with, what we are consuming with our time and energy, and what we are feeding our souls. The contents of what we pour into our lives, our vessels, will be poured out through our words and deeds. You cannot pour the blackened liquid of bitterness, negativity, and dishonesty and expect that your life won't reveal the useless dregs left behind to be judged by others.
May our vessels be refined and impurities be removed so that we can be an outpouring of what is useful and pure.
You are unique. Take tender care--- for clay vessels are fragile. Use it for good.
John Ruskin said, "The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it but what he becomes by it."
**a special thank you to Sam Stephenson for her creation in above photo.