The Starfish Story

Friday, October 26, 2012 by Nicole | 6 Comments

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy
picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up
and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach
and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,

“I made a difference for that one.”

Several years ago, while vacationing with friends, I went to Cozumel
and visited ancient ruins, enjoyed local cuisine,
and snorkeled along coral reefs.

After going to Haiti for a second mission trip,
I realized starfish had, once again,
made their way into my photo albums.

The mission team and I spent two afternoons at private beach
resorts enjoying the sand, surf, and sun near Leveque,
where we lived and worked clearing earthquake rubble
and rebuilding the community’s Methodist church.

At one particular beach, the water was exceptionally clear.
Once again, I was living, working, and playing in
God’s playground … among His “starry” creations!

And, there was this little guy:
a baby starfish.
awwwwww

I know I cannot save the situation in Haiti all by myself, but I know I made a difference while I was there. Even more important are the “starfish” who made a difference to me. They have blessed me much more than I could have blessed them.

our cook, MADAM MONTAS