I think this is really interesting, in relating our beliefs about people: that we are all looking for how to make a difference, a desire to have some positive impact on the world; and that we all have the capacity to do so.
How we each define "making a difference" will vary, but my sense is that in a world that can feel isolated, confusing and scattered, this drive to make positive impact is central and needs nourishing.
So, what does "making a difference" mean to you?
How do you act on it in your daily life?
"It Makes A Difference"
The following story, by Loren Eisley.
A well-known author and poet was working and vacationing on the southern coast of Spain. One morning very early, he was walking along the beach; the sun was just rising. While enjoying the beauty about him, he glanced down the beach and saw a lone figure dancing about.
Fascinated by this other person celebrating the day that was about to dawn, he moved closer. As he came nearer, he realized that the young man was not dancing, but in one graceful movement was picking objects up from the beach and was tossing them out into the sea. As he approached the young man, he saw that the objects were starfish.
"Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?"
"If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises higher in the sky, they will die," replied the young man as he continued tossing them out to the sea.
"That's ridiculous! There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can't believe that what you are doing could possible make a difference!"
The young man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves,
"It makes a difference to this one."
How we each define "making a difference" will vary, but my sense is that in a world that can feel isolated, confusing and scattered, this drive to make positive impact is central and needs nourishing.
So, what does "making a difference" mean to you?
How do you act on it in your daily life?
"It Makes A Difference"
The following story, by Loren Eisley.
A well-known author and poet was working and vacationing on the southern coast of Spain. One morning very early, he was walking along the beach; the sun was just rising. While enjoying the beauty about him, he glanced down the beach and saw a lone figure dancing about.
Fascinated by this other person celebrating the day that was about to dawn, he moved closer. As he came nearer, he realized that the young man was not dancing, but in one graceful movement was picking objects up from the beach and was tossing them out into the sea. As he approached the young man, he saw that the objects were starfish.
"Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?"
"If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises higher in the sky, they will die," replied the young man as he continued tossing them out to the sea.
"That's ridiculous! There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can't believe that what you are doing could possible make a difference!"
The young man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves,
"It makes a difference to this one."
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