Everything We Do Makes a Difference

Ask a starfish

One morning as I was running on the beach, I saw that the tide had washed in hundreds of starfish, and as the waves started to recede, they were left behind. With the bright sunrise upon them, they would certainly dry out and die soon.

At that moment, I recalled a story that my mom had told me in my youth, and I knew what God had called for me to do.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3, NIV)

Once upon a time

The story she told was about a man walking on the beach; he also came upon starfish that were beached the same way as the ones I had come upon. The man started taking them one by one and tossing them back into the water. I recall asking why mom? Why did he bother to throw them back? What difference did it make? There are hundreds of them, and he cannot throw them all back.

With her finger gently on my lips, she said my child let me finish telling you the story and listen well.

She continued with the story that behind the man that was tossing the starfish back into the water was another guy, and he asked the man, sir, why are you doing that? There are hundreds of starfish. Anyways, what difference does it make? The man did not reply, but as he picked up another starfish, he turned and told the man it makes a difference to this one.

Everything we do makes a difference.

What has God called you to do? You are unique and created intentionally and to do good. Sometimes we are called to do little things and other times more significant tasks, but they each make a difference to someone or something.

We all are blessed with different gifts and commanded to use them. We shall not honor God and deny his instruction.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15, ESV)

Making a difference

There are many ways that we can make a difference in our daily spiritual walk:

• Love and care about people and life
• Pray faithfully
• Let your light shine brightly
• Share and give with an open heart
• Rejoice in doing God’s will
• Spread enthusiasm
• Be willing to help
• Give hope
• Volunteer

Before I left the beach that day, I had released 100 starfish back into the water, giving them a chance to live. Why? Because it made a difference.

I could not single-handedly save them all, but I could save many, and so I did.

It doesn’t matter whether you are helping one of God’s creatures, volunteering at a charity event, or mentoring someone that is seeking direction. Each thing we do makes a difference.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”-Leo Buscaglia-

Remember this as you go about your day doing that which God has called you to do. We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help someone by giving them comfort and encouragement. No task from God is too small.

Our actions make a difference, just ask the starfish.

This story is published in Koinonia — stories by Christians to encourage, entertain, and empower you in your faith, food, fitness, family, and fun.

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