boys, old men, and starfish

traillius · #1 Jan 17, '11, 11:03 am

You know the story of the boy throwing starfish into the ocean after they are washed up on the shore, and the old man who tries to 'speak wisdom' to him. Well, I am both the boy and the old man at the same time. I identify with so many proverbial starfish, due to my varied experiences ( details in my other posts ) that its hard to choose which ones to "throw back."
I want to make a difference, as well as helping my wife and son and myself. Any advice on balancing all the 'starfish'

k8e308 · #2 Jan 17, '11, 12:33 pm

I would suggest prayer as your first tool for deciding which 'starfish' most need your attention.

If prayer yields no definitive answer, take a close look at those causes you would most like to help with. Which can use your specific talents? Which fit better with your work schedule and family life? Prioritize according to what you are able to do, then start on the first, and add as many additional projects as you are able without feeling overwhelmed or neglecting your responsibilities.

As a last resort, simply pick one, and start on it. Do what you can, and don't be distracted by all the other things you think you could help with. It's better to do what you can with one, then to stare at all of them and not do anything because you can't decide which to help.