Reward just to Paint a boat – You may have repaired numerous ‘boat holes’ along the way of several people without realising how many lives you’ve saved, writes our Seniors Today reader, Mohan Krishnan
A painter was asked to paint a boat by a rich man.
The painter brought with him paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him. While painting, he noticed that there was a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.
When finished painting, he received his money and left.Â
The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice cheque, much much higher than the payment for painting.Â
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 having repaired 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 about 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.”
Reflection:
So, no matter who, when or how. Just continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively and carefully repair all the ‘leaks’ you find, because you never know when one is in need of us.
You may have repaired numerous ‘boat holes’ along the way of several people without realising how many lives you’ve saved.
Today I would like to take a pause and say a thank you to everyone who repaired my boat during these challenging times in every way like Good Wishes, thoughts, love, care and prayers, it made a big difference in my life.Â
About Mohan Krishnan:
Mohan is a Storyteller, Happiness Coach and Wellness Curator. Mohan is an accomplished Human Resource trainer. He uses storytelling techniques to train people in soft skills and communication regarding products and services, especially in software and financial services companies.  He also utilises storytelling techniques for coaching and mentoring.  Using storytelling techniques for recruitment, and performance appraisals, are innovative concepts he has introduced.Â
Mohan conducts regular storytelling sessions from Indian epics, folklore and history for inculcating values, motivation and inspiration. He is an exponent of 15th Century Saint Poet Kabir Das and uses Kabir’s couplets (doha) for conveying life lessons
He conducts storytelling workshops for teachers, Human Resource professionals, parents, grandparents and young adults.Â
Mohan is fluent in four languages (Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and English). He often includes singing in storytelling.  Taboo tales, immersive and experiential storytelling are some of his innovative and creative storytelling techniques.  His performances, talks and workshops synergise elements of enterTRAINment (learning, teaching through entertainment)
In his previous avatar he was a senior executive with the Reserve Bank of India and has an impressive record of service.
He directs a group Madras Tale Spinners, a team of accomplished storytellers.
Contact Information
98403 22236
