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 sand, 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 listed 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.