The Starfish Story

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.”

A rather heavy heart as i walked home today.. Suddenly the all familiar starfish story came to mind....

A different kind of happiness

This week, I was blessed with the opportunity to witness 2 instances of what i call "a different kind of happiness"..

There was one day that i went with a family to get some groceries.. They are poor. Even a roof over their heads is an issue.. Yet the children have this interesting resilience in them, yet this childlike happiness and humour in them.. As mother and daughter walked ahead of me carrying a matching kungfu panda bag, i couldn't help but smile..

Today, i met my boy and his family in town, unplanned! Super coincidence... A very happy and close knit family. Poor, very poor, in finances. Rich, very rich, in love. A smile from my dear boy just makes my day..

There are instances when i just feel like "why not i just give u more money and u clear some debts and so we start anew so ur problem is solved", but i know that this is far from the solution..

As i walk this journey of life, i realise that in a very large sense, the only person who can make a change in your life, is You.. Yes, friends can help, encourage, advice... God can protect, bless... But U have to be the one to decide... U have to be the one to ask for strength.. Even though it is cliche to say this, but it is true that trials make one stronger.

It is sad to see people hurting, searching, struggling.. Everyone has their own problems, struggles... Everyone goes through different seasons in life..

Life may not be easy, but Life needn't be sad, no matter what the circumstance..

One of my students families find joy even in walking in NTUC.... even if they dun buy anything..... Silly, u may say.... I'd say they are creative and know how to appreciate simple things...

I went to visit North light the other day. I received this key chain with this phrase: "We wanted to make a difference in the lives of the students but ended up making a difference in our own lives."

How true.. :)