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Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Sonia is a Starfish Thrower


I wasn't going to post today, until I read Sonia's post "Homework Assignment for Peace" this morning.


I can relate to exactly what she is saying because I, like many of us, wonder just how one person can really make a difference. I usually stop at that thought because even though most of us, as individuals, would like to do something visually significant, we can only do little bits in our day to day lives. But isn't living in a day to day mode of doing what we can a symbol in itself? An example to our children? To our community and so forth? It starts the ball rolling.

Sonia said "But I'm just one little person. Just one." And to that I say Sonia, you have posted what "one little person" thinks, but it inspired me to post my hopes and thoughts also. I am going to make sure I smile today at five people that probably don't deserve a smile, but then again, maybe they are the five that really need it the most. I thank you for that challenge.

Look at what Lori did as "one little person." Another example of a thought, passed on through her blogging that inspired more to join in and make a difference.

This is to remind all of us, we as one can make a difference:

The Star Fish Story
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

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."

8 comments:

Molly said...

This is my first visit to Marie Millard. I love this post and the Starfish story. That cannot be you and your son in the sidebar; you look very young, which is a good thing.

Sunshine said...

Glad I "threw" something your way!

And I'm smiling at you...but you TOTALLY deserve it!

Robin said...

What a lovely idea Sonia had. Thanks for sharing her post. And that Hug It Out thing? Brilliant!

The starfish story has always been a favorite of mine, too.

Dixie said...

That is a fabulous story! I love it!

Twisted Cinderella said...

LOVE the starfish story!

Angel said...

I love this story...my daughter read this at a BETA Convention one year, as her "inspirational message" it always gives me goosebumps.

captain corky said...

I don't mind if you smile at me and if you want you can pat me on the ass too. ;)

Just checking in while I have a few.

Nancy said...

mjd: Thanks for stopping, I have visited Mama Said Paps Said also.

Sunshine: Caught it =)

Robin: Yes, a story that has gone through the web and schools, but always deserves another look at.

Dixie and TC: A good quick story to read to your little ones.

Beth: I am sure Rae will use it at some point in her new teaching job.

Corky: *pats bottom* Scoot along, get back to tending to that new darling baby boy of yours. *smiles*