There is a story about a man who, long centuries ago, had a habit of coming before the King everyday with much gossip about what was wrong in the Kingdom – with this person and that person.  One day the King determined to cure the man of his habits and gave him a cup of brew, filled right up to the brim of the cup.  The King gave the man the cup early one morning, telling him to bring it back that night, having carried it all the day through, without spilling one drop.  If any of the precious brew were spilled, the man would forfeit his life.

The man did as directed and joyfully returned to the King that night, his cup and contents intact.  He did not spill a single drop.  Said the King to the man, “What was wrong in the Kingdom today?   You have not reported a single distress.”

“Sire, I was so occupied with watching my own cup and making sure none of its precious content was spilled, that I really didn’t see anything wrong anywhere, the whole day through.” the man said.

Taking the time to be responsible for our own thoughts and feelings, trying to bring more *perfection* into our lives,  leaves little time left for observing *imperfections* of others. 

Just maybe all those *imperfections* we see are there for a purpose:  for the purpose of providing us with opportunties to create substance of Tolerance, Acceptance and Understanding within our characters?   To extend Love to that which has been denied it?