** LadyHawke's Joke du Jour presents 
		An Inspirational Story Of The Week **
  
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 
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