The Starfish

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 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.

-- Author Unknown