Description

Looking for a book about burnout? The potter’s vessels struggle with burnout and fitting in just like us. This book can help.

Burnout can happen to anyone, including children. Likewise, they can face depression when they do not feel like they fit in or belong. Finding their place in this big world can be a struggle for them. So, how can you help kids overcome burnout and know they fit in? You introduce them to this beautiful allegory of the potter and his vessels. In this episode, an oil lamp is placed on a pedestal to shine for the other vessels. Over time, its high, lonely position causes its oil to disappear. The oil lamp will burn out.

Simultaneously, in the back corner of the workshop sits another clay creation. This little vessel is a small, damaged jar that does not fit in. The other pieces of pottery only know it exists once the potter pulls it from the ashes and uses its flaw to replenish the oil lamp with oil. While the oil lamp believes it should help the jar, it discovers that the wounded container can help it. Additionally, the pot’s design allows it to fit into the rim of the oil lamp. Together the vessels serve the potter and overcome their depression.

Children can overcome depression as they realize they are never alone. Like the cracked pot, our creator can use our flaws to help others.

Where the idea originated

I first got the idea for this book several years ago when I traveled to Israel. At that time, I was writing The Oil Lamp book. I went to an antique dealer to buy an oil lamp from when Jesus was a little boy. The dealer asked me if I also wanted the oil jar. He explained that the two vessels usually were sold as a set. When he showed me the jar, I was shocked at its size. Why would anyone want such a tiny jar for the oil? He then explained that the oil jar was designed to sit atop the lamp. He went on to explain that the jars would often crack. However, the base fits in the rim of the lamp, allowing oil to drip into the lamp so it can keep burning.

A book about burnout

I knew then that the next character and book would be about burnout. Once I finished writing the Oil Lamp book, I began to imagine what happens after God elevates us to a high position. Over the next few years, I worked hard as a school principal. It was a very hard job, and I learned that I would burn out if I didn’t continually meet with God. Being at the top position of the school got very lonely at times. Recently burnout has gotten a lot of attention in the media. It is now considered a clinical diagnosis within forms of anxiety.

A book about fitting in

When I left the position, I faced a new type of loneliness. Some days it felt like God was done using me. I felt as if I didn’t fit in anywhere. Between the two extremes came the storyline for this book.

This book is also available wherever books are sold.