The Paper Boat in the Drain

After the rain, Isaac and Owen floated paper boats in the shallow water beside the pavement. Isaac had folded his boat three times before getting the corners right. Owen's boat was smaller and had a crooked flag.

A sudden stream of water carried Owen's boat toward the drain. Isaac saw it coming. His own boat was moving the other way, and he could easily have followed it instead. Owen ran beside the water but could not reach his boat without stepping into the road.

Isaac stayed on the pavement. He called to his father, who was standing close by. Dad used a long stick to lift the small boat away from the drain. Its flag was wet, and one side had folded inward.

Isaac gave Owen a fresh sheet of paper from the bag. They sat on the low garden wall while Dad watched. Isaac showed Owen the stronger fold he had learned. Owen made a new flag and helped straighten Isaac's boat before they tried again.

This time they floated the boats in a broad puddle inside the garden gate. Neither boat went very far, but both stayed within reach. Isaac discovered that helping Owen had made the afternoon better for them both.

Jesus teaches us to treat people with the care we would want ourselves. Sometimes that begins by noticing someone else's trouble before carrying on with our own fun. Kindness can also ask a grown-up for help when a place is unsafe.