Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. Ecc. 4:9

The Star Thrower, written by Loren Eisley in the late 1970’s, is one of my favorite inspirational stories. It has been used by many motivational speakers and writers. In today’s message, may we visit that story again; this time with a modified version of our own-one we believe opens us to an even greater perspective.

A tropical storm caused millions of star fish to wash up onto a local beach.  A wise man who lived in the area was one of the first on the scene.  With star fish littered on the beach for as far as his eye could see, he noticed a young woman on the beach and in their midst.  She was picking up individual star fish and tossing them back into the ocean.  The gentleman approached her and said, “What are you doing?”  She said, “I’m throwing star fish back into the sea.”  He said, “Your effort won’t make a difference, there’s too many of them.”  Her humble reply, “It will for the ones I throw back.”  We have been satisfied with the moral of this story… until now.

May we be bold enough to suggest there is room for the impact of the story to get even better?  If we can learn from a kind and focused individual’s effort, then what about this:  Suppose the young lady replied in the same powerful way, but with an extended opportunity for the wise gentleman on the scene to grow as well. — “It will for the ones I throw back, sir, and if you would help me, we can make a greater difference together.”

For those of us claiming to be children of God, followers of Christ, and led by His Spirit, our inner desire must include the need to cooperate and grow with people in a way we may have missed in our past.  Working together for something decent and living for the exceptional (not the exception) seems too good for us not to pursue.  So, as we walk our individual beaches, let’s stay open to the wisdom of God and His invitation of cooperative star fishing and the possibility of making a more wholesome difference!

Let God’s rich blessings this week include helping us to see there is life abundant in glorifying Him and blending with each other as His laborers. In this regard, Matthew 18:20 stands us at attention.  It says, “For where any two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Family and friends, have a great week! May the real Star participate in your higher quests and provide you with His cooperating power to carry it out!

Amos 3:3; Psalm 133; John 17; Romans 8:28

Editor’s Note:  What possibilities exist when we work together to accomplish the Lord’s business!!