Once, when Ira Riklis was talking with his Rabbi about his concerns that there were so much need in the world and so many worthy causes his Rabbi related a parable that provided perspective. The story involved a man on a beach watching a young boy who is walking along the ocean’s edge picking up starfish and throwing them back into the water. “Why are you doing that?” he asks. “I want to save the starfish,” comes the reply, “they’ll die if they’re out of the water.” “But,” the man replies, “how can you hope to make a difference? There are many, many starfish and only one of you.” “You’re right,” says the boy as he saves another starfish, “but I just made a difference to that one.”
These days, when we seem surrounded by an ocean of problems, it’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed about ever solving them. Ira Riklis feels that way at times. Even though he and his family have been blessed with money and health and make it a point to support numerous good causes, they often wish they could do more. When that happens to you, do as he does. Remember the boy on the beach, and do just one thing that can make a difference.