Making a Difference

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the
ocean to do his journal writing. He had a habit of walking
on the beach before he began his work.


One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down
the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He
smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the
day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.


As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the
young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down
to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing
it into the ocean.


As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you
doing?"


The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing
starfish in the ocean."


"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish
in the ocean?"


"The sun is up, and the tide is going out. And if I don't
throw them in they'll die."


"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and
miles of beach, and starfish all along it. You can't
possibly make a difference!"


The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up
another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the
breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that
one."


There is something very special in each and every one of us.
We have all been gifted with the ability to make a
difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain,
through the strength of our visions, the power to shape the
future. We must each find our starfish. And if we throw our
stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.