We've Only Just Begun

We've Only Just Begun
More Books Beyond Our Trilogy : We'll Be Filling All These Bookshelves!

Tuesday

You are Never Too Small to Make A Difference in a Life



“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
       One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
       As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
       He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
       The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
       "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
       To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
       Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
       At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, 
       "It made a difference for that one.” 


What we do for our pets and for the animals that we rescue is much like this story about the starfish by Loren Eiseley


The other quote that comes to mind is this one: 

You are not too small at all!  You are larger than life for a pet (or a person) who needs you in theirs.  Remember, to a pet you are their entire world.  You are large, you are great, you are important, you are necessary.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to an animal -- or child -- or person -- who needs you. 

I Am Not Far Away At All



You think that I am far from you? 

I feel your thoughts, I know your heart.

I am not far away at all. I'm closer than you would believe! 

You think if you stop grieving that you will somehow lose me. 

You're afraid that if you love again, 

That you will grow away from me. 

Well you're not going anywhere! 

Your soul has grown right into mine

Spun together; 

A tapestry 

Of our life and love.

You cannot lose what has become

A vital part of you.

Someday you'll see that I was with you all along the way. 

You'll then regret the time you spent

Wasting many thoughtful tears

And grieving for so many years!

But while you cannot see that now,

You'll find out what you think you lost 

You never lost at all.

I am merely gone from view.

I am here; 

I am here beside you.

Waiting for the Chosen Time

When you will see and touch and feel me 

As I run into your arms again. 



~Jack~