A Handful of Clay

By Henry Van Dyke

2015

First Published

3.36

Average Rating

Number of Pages

0H12M

Audio Length

"A Handful of Clay" by Henry van Dyke is a short allegorical story that explores themes of purpose, transformation, and divine influence. The tale follows a simple lump of clay that dreams of becoming something grand. Initially, it is shaped into an ordinary vessel, leading to disappointment. However, as it undergoes different stages of use and refinement, the clay comes to understand that true worth is not in outward grandeur but in serving a meaningful purpose. Van Dyke’s story conveys a spiritual message about humility, growth, and the idea that our greatest value often emerges through life’s trials and transformations.

Avg Rating

3.36

Number of Ratings

5 STARS

18%

4 STARS

27%

3 STARS

32%

2 STARS

18%

1 STARS

goodreads

Author

Henry Van Dyke

Author · 19 books

Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933) was an American Presbyterian clergyman, educator, and author. He graduated from Princeton in 1873, and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1874. He was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. minister to the Netherlands (1913-16). Among his popular inspirational writings is the Christmas story The Other Wise Man (1896). As President Wilson's ambassador to the Netherlands from 1913, Van Dyke was a first-hand witness to the outbreak of World War I and its progress, and was a key player in the President's diplomatic efforts to keep the U.S. out of the conflict. Not to be confused with his father, Henry J. Van Dyke (1822-1891). For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/van-dyke...