Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Checking In

I feel like I should update because I know people check in. It's been a typical "just trying to keep my head above water" kind of week so far. Everyone is well, so I really have no complaints.

Because I've got nothing else to talk about, I'll leave you with a story I'm sure many of you have already heard, but one worth hearing again.


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The Starfish Story

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, "It made a difference for that one."

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Have a great day and remember . . . we all have the ability to make a difference, one small act at a time.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a lovely story Ann. I hope to make a difference, if only in a small way.

Faith said...

I have this story posted above my desk at work. It's one of those things I see so often I forget why I put it there in the first place.
Thanks for the reminder!
Jen

PS: We may just be tiny starfish (ok this week we feel more like plankton..but you've made a difference in our lives!

Alicia said...

I have always loved this story and every time I read it, it reminds me that if we take the time to do the seemingly small things in life, it really can make a big difference. Even if it is only to one person.

Thank you,

Alicia