A Fish Story
A fisherman had been struggling to get a good catch, so he needed to find a new fishing ground to get enough to bring to market plus feed his family. He heard there was a woman who was very connected to all the local fishing towns and heard she was often willing to help those in need. So, he went in search and finally found her late as she was eating her dinner.
Fisher
I am so sorry to bother you, but I am in need of finding a new fishing ground, and I heard you might be able to help.
Lady
I know many fishermen and will enquire. Come back here tomorrow at the same time.
The next day the fisherman returned after another morning fishing but with little results.
Lady
I am happy you returned, and I did get some info. Here is a crude map with a good location to fish. The man who drew this said it is hard to get to because of treacherous rocks, and it’s a little far but he said it can be worth it.
Fisher
Thank you so much, and if there is anything I can do to show my gratitude. I have almost no money, but my wife & little daughter could bake you a cake or a pie.
Lady
That is not necessary, I will come by for my fish
The man took the map, prepared for a long tough journey, and set off to the new fishing grounds. It was long and difficult, but he did come back with a good catch to sell for necessities and a little for his family to eat. When he was cleaning up near the end of the market, the lady came over to him.
Lady
So how did it work out, did you catch some fish
Fisher
Yes, it was a long hard journey but I got enough for essentials, bait, some new fishing supplies and to feed my family.
Lady
That is great, I just stopped by to pick up my half of the fish.
The fisherman did not show his surprise. He just slowly raised his weathered eyes and looked at the woman for a long time measuring her and his words before he spoke.
Fisher
I am deeply appreciative of the information I so desperately needed. I truly do want to pay you back in some way. If you had gone with me to help me through the treacherous rocks, or helped me throw out the nets, or waited patiently with your rod for a bite, or even had helped me find a bigger boat, a helper, even just assisted me here in the market today. I would probably want to share half of what I caught with you. Yes, you had the contact who knew of the fishing grounds and made the map. Maybe he deserves some fish. I heard about you then sought you out and I came back the next day. Again, so grateful! Then it was I who got up before dawn to start off on a very treacherous and long journey following the map. All the while thinking that this map might not even be good. Fishermen rarely give up a good fishing ground. Once through the rocks, I had to use my years of knowledge as a fisherman to select the most likely spot to fish. It was I who had to prepare the bait and cast out the line. Then while waiting cast out a net far out on the other side of the boat. I had to be patient and watchful for the signs of fish on the line. After many hours, I then had to calculate when to begin heading home so as not to get caught in tides and get bashed against the rocks and still make it back by dark. Upon getting back, tired from a long day, I had to secure the boat and ready it to go out again tomorrow. Then my sweet wife and our young daughter helped me clean the fish and prepare them for sale at the market here today. I am sorry, I don’t have much, but I am grateful. I want to be fair to the one who gave me this location. It was hard to get to, but worth it. My family and I picked out the best and tastiest fish of my catch just to say thank you. My daughter has wrapped it specially for you. And I will save the best and tastiest fish from every catch as long as I fish there because I want you to know I am grateful. That is what I can offer.
The lady listened the entire time as the fisherman talked of his long day looking off to the horizon as he retraced the steps of his journey, then looking towards his simple boat on the beach. Then looking tenderly to his little family. But as he spoke, he did not see her eyes soften and glisten. You see, she had helped so many before and they had so often taken the information were rarely ever grateful. She had decided she was going to test the fisherman by asking for half of the catch, but as he spoke, he deeply touched her with his gratitude and humility. So, he had easily passed her test and she graciously accepted the wrapped fish.
For years & years after the fishermen and his family greeted her after every catch with the best and tastiest fish wrapped just for her. They became dear friends because of the gratitude of just one fish!
Curtis
Inspired by a story idea by @CurtisAllison and written by Chad Murdock
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