"I made a difference for that one."

"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.'"
-excerpt from The Starfish Story

As many of you know, I work part-time at my church as a children's ministry facilitator for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.  (Never a dull moment!)  This weekend after the Saturday night 5:00 service that I worked, I decided to go to the 6:30 service titled "Lost People Matter."

As I was sitting in the worship center drinking my coffee, listening intently about helping lost people - inviting them to go somewhere with you, providing a kind smile or a warm conversation, letting someone know you care - lo and behold! the pastor started to tell The Starfish Story!

I felt like I was truly right where I was supposed to be at that exact moment.  It made me start thinking about my blog and totally reinforced the idea behind Starfish Mondays.  You truly can make a difference in someone's life - it doesn't matter how big or how small the kind deed is; it is the act of being kind alone that can restore someone's faith in humanity.  Maybe this blog will touch just one person today - but that one person is worth it.  

Today's Starfish

Today's Starfish was simple - I told Devon about my experience at church and we decided that today, we were going to go the extra mile to smile at everyone we came into contact with and just be extra nice - to people at the grocery store, the gym, the coffee shop, work.  Act like everyone we interact with is a like a Starfish we are sending back into the ocean - making a small difference in their lives.  Plus, the act of smiling and being kind make people happier :)

Our challenge to you:  Dedicate a day to "throwing starfish back in the water."  Say a kind word to as many people as possible; smile extra big at someone you meet in the hallway.  You have no idea what that kind gesture or smile can do to make a difference in that person's life!