I reminds me of a story by Loren Eisley about a starfish:
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.”
And as an aside, when I was growing up in Maine, people used to love to say "a good many mosquitoes in Maine weigh a pound"
These stories - all of them - but especially the power of one commuter’s vote - are inspiring.
I’m both grateful and tickled by the image of you two honoring your folks on Memorial Day in Maine, and how you wove both action and mosquitoes into a powerful message.
There are so many times we feel powerless these days. So many times …
It’s good to be reminded just how “annoyingly good“ we can be.
I reminds me of a story by Loren Eisley about a starfish:
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.”
And as an aside, when I was growing up in Maine, people used to love to say "a good many mosquitoes in Maine weigh a pound"
Dorrie
Thank you for reminding me of that story. I LOVE it!
And, I have never heard that quotation, but it's a good one ... and so true!
Here's to a good many mosquitoes!
Oh, yes. I know the congregation you write about. Your story is circulating widely.
A truly great congregation! I wonder if that story still gets told at annual meeting?
These stories - all of them - but especially the power of one commuter’s vote - are inspiring.
I’m both grateful and tickled by the image of you two honoring your folks on Memorial Day in Maine, and how you wove both action and mosquitoes into a powerful message.
There are so many times we feel powerless these days. So many times …
It’s good to be reminded just how “annoyingly good“ we can be.
Hugs.
Whoever thought the lowly mosquito could be a messenger of "good trouble"???