11-17-2023 4:48am

Simplest Act of Kindness Can Change Someone's Life

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches on Nov. 23, we think about Thanksgiving dinner plans… what we will eat, with whom we will share the holiday, who is bringing the pie, …. But many of us will also give some thought to the more serious side of the holiday: the concept of being thankful.

For some, this has been a wonderful year; for others, a terrible year. For most, the year has been a mixed bag. Hopefully, when life has brought unhappy challenges, we were able to derive some support and assistance from friends, family, or strangers. Often, just knowing someone else cares, is enough to help us face the challenges and continue on our life path.

The story that follows illustrates how the smallest kind act can make a huge difference in one or more lives. I don’t know who wrote the story or if the story is true, but I hope it is.

The Story ...

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 check, 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 one is in need of us, 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 saved.

Make a difference....be the best version of you...

[Seen on Facebook. Author unknown.]