There is a museum of fine art in the faraway city of Nod, which is tended to by a caretaker of punctilious diligence. Every day, he carefully tends to the exhibits: he identifies which ones need special care, which ones need restoration, and which ones need greater protection. He loves all the exhibits, but his favourite section is the pottery and earthenware section, over in the eastern wing of the grand museum.

In the collection of vessels that are on display here, there are many interesting pieces, of varying styles and materials But none is as precious as the fine, but infinitely fragile vase found under a special protective case made of glass, located at the centre of the room. This vase is made of a crystalline material, intricately and delicate formed with beautifully fine details of flowers and birds engraved into it. It is the most beautiful of all the vessels in the room. And its value can hardly be guessed at- precious beyond any price tag.

And yet, it is incredibly fragile. If you were to mishandle it, or treat it carelessly, it would shatter. However, the caretaker is more than capable of protecting this fine work of art and would even put himself in the way of harm to protect it. He loves this vessel, and knows that though it is not as strong as some of the other vessels, this makes it all the more valuable. It holds a special place in his heart, and a special place in the museum.

Not far from this beautiful vase there is another piece of art. This one is more sturdy, and fashioned from a rugged, earthy material. It is more resistant to shattering, yet not indestructible by any means. Its strength, though impressive, is still no match for a clumsy visitor or a drop on a hard concrete floor. It is not beautiful like the other vase, but nonetheless holds value to the caretaker, who, unlike you or me, is not so quick to judge a vessel for its outer shape, material, or decorative value. The caretaker knows that in the end, any vessel was made to be filled with something, and in the end, what matters most is the beauty of the contents.

Since today is a special holiday, the caretaker gently lifts the protective cover off from the weaker vessel, takes a flask of water and pours it into both this vessel and the sturdier vessel in equal measure. Next, he takes lovely wildflowers, and arranges them in bouquets of equal magnificence and carefully places them inside the vessels. He takes a step back and admires his work. It is very good. Then he carefully places the protective cover back over the weaker vessel, and as he walks out of the room, he pauses one last time to gaze at these two beloved vessels, and admire this beautiful exhibit. “Yes,” he says quietly, to no one in particular, “Yes it is very good. Very good indeed.”

Based on 1 Peter 3:7