The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all.
The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean.""I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"
Find your starfish!!!, Marja
Kia ora Marja,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so true. I have always felt as well that our lives are like ripples on a pond, forever impacting ourselves and others in ways we might not even realize. Have really enjoyed your last posts very much at a time I needed such reminding. Kia ora.
Ka kite ano,
Robb
I know... Holland even has a cricket team. But I have have always been one great fan of soccer heroes from Holland, right from Cruyff days :)
ReplyDeleteNothing beats soccer though. Not even cricket.
Actually, I have been doing this all my life...the satisfaction in helping out or making a difference to anybody at any point of time is immense...
ReplyDeleteYour previous post reminded me of the words of JFK.
ReplyDelete"Ask not, what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country."
In the bigger piture it fits nicely..
Thanks Rob I am glad to here that
ReplyDeleteYou rock Anwin
I know you would Anwin you are always
so full of empathy
Good one Steve you rock too
Hi Marja
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that story. It was beautiful.
If everyone tries to make one small difference, added together it can change the world! Too many people are so tied up in themselves that they fail to see the big picture.
Shaz
find your starfish
ReplyDeleteamazing way to end this..
The young man in this story ♠was also a wise young man. This time I got it Marja :-)
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom, Marja.
ReplyDeleteWe should never try to change the whole world because we can´t and never will, but if we do something good to someone or something we will make the difference!
More confirmation if ever it was needed that we can all put a positive stamp on this world if we are caring enough. You really are a wonderful person Marja and thankyou for your continued ripple effect on our world.
ReplyDeleteA lovely story.This reminds me od a real starfish story that happened to me.I shall post it soon.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great story. I love inspiring people to be their best but today you inspired me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteI am with the boy! :-)
Great story,Marja and I like the picture of the little boy!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me - I'm on my way to the beach right now.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo and an inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful posting and it is really true. If we all could change on thing in the positive way we could make a peaceful world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story
very interesting! :)
ReplyDeletebig kiss from Portugal!
Majra
ReplyDeleteLittle drops make a big ocean.
goodness from the part of us will make this earth a heaven
Hi Marja
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story with a profound message. Most inspiring.