Star Thrower

Do you remember the story of the star thrower? It was inspired by the writings of 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 the beach before it was time to begin his work. As he looked down the beach he saw a human figure that looked like he was dancing. However, as he got closer, he realized it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer to the young man, he shouted out, "Good Morning - What are you doing?" The you man paused, looked up and replied "Thowing starfish into the ocean."

"Well, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"

The young man responded "the sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in they'll die."

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

Politely, the young man listened. Then he reached down again, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the sea. "It made a difference for that one!"

Every time I see this picture of Stephen on the Oregon beach (Aug 2009) I think of the story of the Star Thrower.  As a new year has begun, I am hoping that I can make a difference.  It won't be in any big way, but hopefully I can make a difference in some small way this year.