The Starfish Parable

[Fauxmage]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lauralb/Beach.jpg

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 reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

''Good morning! What are you doing?''

The young man paused looked up and said, ''Throwing starfish in the ocean''




'"Why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?''

''The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I dont throw them in they'll die''.

''But young man, don't you realise 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 he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the sea past the breaking waves and said,

''It made a difference for that one.''

[Oracl]

When I feel overwhelmed by the cruelty in the world I like to think of this parable, it helps make being a vegan seem more worthwhile. :)

[Bowwowmeow]

I thought these went along with the starfish story rather nicely.

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin into his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."
~ Emily Dickinson

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I especially like this one, as I have always seen things this way myself, and it is nice to find someone else who thought of it before I did:
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" ~Philo

[Oracl]

I like those, BWM. :agree: :)

[Rainbow]

And re-moisturise our dear little slug-friends too! ;)

[Tiggerwoos]

What a lovely story, if everyone else did their bit like that man, the world would be a great place. :)

[Phoenix]

When I feel overwhelmed by the cruelty in the world I like to think of this parable, it helps make being a vegan seem more worthwhile. :)
How true. :agree:

Thanks Fauxmage for the parable & to all for the rest of the inspiring thread.

[paul]

that is loverly thank you for sharring that

[Blueshark]

I like that parable.

It speaks to me on many levels, but I will not bore you with my analysis.

One of my favourite parables is The Parable of The Talents (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Talents)

Literally, it is a tale of wise financial investment, but the agreed interpretation is that of using one's talents. This being a parable of Jesus, the inference is, that a God given talent is a precious gift to be cherished and used.

It makes sense to me, and is almost similar to 'If you have it, flaunt it' but less catchy! :laugh:

[Oracl]

I find that parable quite sad, Yam Yam. :( I bet I would have buried my talent. :o

[my3labs]

The Starfish Parable has been printed and posted in my home office for years. It is the one thing that keeps me going when I have one of "those" days.

[Blueshark]

I find that parable quite sad, Yam Yam. :( I bet I would have buried my talent. :o
That is the point! A parable will move you, according to your own experiences and 'talents', if you understand me. :angelic:

[Fauxmage]

This is quite true, though it seems unfair:
because everyone that has much will be given more,
It reminds me of how much easier it is to find a job when you've already got one, and don't need one.

[Oracl]

That is the point! A parable will move you, according to your own experiences and 'talents', if you understand me. :angelic:
Thanks, Yam Yam. I feel better now. :)

It reminds me of how much easier it is to find a job when you've already got one, and don't need one.
So true! :agree:

[HOHUM]

This is the ethos by which i live. Perfect!
Thanks for the parable.
TB

[Fauxmage]

You're welcome HOHUM! And welcome to the forum! :blinkwave:

[Ayashi Foxtail]

I don't really like that talent one, because I wouldn't like to be the servant that gambled his talent, lost it, then had to explain the the master why... In real life, how many servants do you reckon would actually gamble money that they had been told to look after? I understand the kind of underlying message, but I think it's a bit daft.

*Gets off soapbox*

[Gliondrach]

This is the ethos by which i live. Perfect!
Thanks for the parable.
TB

Hello and welcome HOHUM. :wave:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Just read the Starfish Parable, first time I've ever heard of it! That's absolutely gorgeous...am thinking of printing it out and finding somewhere to put it...maybe by my bed, so I can wake up and read it each morning...I can just see it being something that will always put a smile on my face! Thanks so much for posting it! :D

[Fauxmage]

You're welcome. :)