The Starfish Story

The Starfish 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."

*** It is so critical to remember during this Christmas season the reason for our celebration. I know we hear that over and over...but it's true. We are celebrating the gift we received when Christ became one of us, and forever paved the way for us to eternally be His children and a part of His kingdom. He also empowered us to be His hands and feet in rescuing the lives of people around us. He made it possible for us to love as he loves, and to bring His light into darkness. It may be overwhelming to think of the entire world that is filled with desperate people, but as this story demonstrates, we many not be able to help everyone but even if we can change the life of ONE it is worth our efforts. What better way for us to get the Christmas message into our core, than for us to give of ourselves, our time, and our resources?

As you do your last minute shopping for your family and friends, try to go out of you way to find someone in need and do something to remind them that they are loved. Perhaps, you could buy some presents for the children in a family you know is having a hard time financially and secretly leave them on their doorstep. Or you could make a special Christmas dinner and package it up and bring it over to their house. Or even something as simple as writing a few Christmas cards and telling people how much you love and appreciate them. Imagine if you got other people involved in the giving process and did something even bigger...like taking up an offering for your Heartwork project at a Christmas party, or from your family and friends.

There's no telling how much impact even the seemingly small acts could have on the hearts and lives of people who are struggling, lonely, or hurting. Let's be people that live for something bigger than ourselves, our wants, and our desires. Let's live for our King, be brimming with an unwavering joy, and be focused on the people God has placed around us.

Remember, it's better to help ONE than to help none.

Merry Christmas!

~Morgan
Heartwork Communications Director