# The Hole in the Boat

- Link: https://dismasfellowshipnetwork.com/reflections/the-hole-in-the-boat/
- Published: 2021-05-20T14:22:57-04:00
- Author: Paul Tuck

**[[The Hole in the Boat**
 **Author Unknown**

A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint
the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a
nice cheque, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said “You’ve already paid me for painting the boat
Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It’s for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service… certainly it’s not worth paying me such a 
high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:  When I asked
you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.  When the boat dried, my kids
took the boat and went on a fishing trip. They did not know that there was a hole.
I was not at home at that time.  When I returned and noticed they had taken the 
boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.  Then, I examined
the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!  You see, now, what you did? 
You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your ‘small’
good deed.”

So no matter who, when or how, continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively,
and carefully repair all the ‘leaks’ you find. You never know when someone is in
need , or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important 
to someone.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous ‘boat holes’ for several people without
realizing how many lives you’ve save. ️

**Reflection Question:**  Have you ever done a small favour for someone that turned
out to be a big deal? ** OR**  Can you recall someone doing a small kindness to 
you that you appreciated immensely?