Lessons from the Beach – The Minnow Story
I would venture to say that the majority of you have heard or read The Story of the Starfish – it is one of my favorites! Last week on the beach, I got to witness a true live version, which I am calling, “The Minnow Story!”
Lessons From the Beach – The Minnow Story
I love to go walking on the beach early in the morning – all alone. You notice things, hear the Lord speak a little more clearly, hear the roar of the ocean without voices drowning it out, and see many interesting things. Your senses are on high alert.
That is how this lesson came about.
Changes at the Beach
Last week I only made one of these early morning beach walks, but it was packed with interesting things!
I had gotten pretty far down the beach when I noticed that the landscape of the beach had changed a little with the overnight tide. It had washed in sand and created a little “pond” between the ocean and the shoreline.
The Minnow Story
As I approached the area, I saw hundreds of little minnows swimming in that shallow area. There were actually several minnows that were already dead. In my mind, I knew that they would all share that same fate if they didn’t make it back into the ocean.
Comments on the Beach
As I was in my own world, I heard people talking before I saw anyone. I heard things like, “How do you know they don’t want to be there?” and “You can’t save them all.”
I looked up to see three young children with their mom and grandmother. The kids were scooping the minnows into sand buckets, nets, and their hands and returning them to the ocean. It was such an incredibly sweet thing to do!
I walked right on past them but was prompted to turn around and strike up a conversation. When I mentioned The Starfish Story, they knew exactly what I was referring to. The kids were actually inspired by the story to rescue the minnows.
There is no telling how many of those little minnows lived that day because of the actions of a few kids. They weren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty or spending a little time and effort to rescue the ones in distress.
On the Way Back
I was gone on my walk for quite a while. When I returned to the area where the minnows were, I saw many birds feasting on the ones that didn’t make it. The tides had provided them with a nice breakfast, but the children had rescued most of the live fish.
Lessons from the Minnow Story
- Look for opportunities to help others.
- Notice the needs around you.
- Don’t let others’ negative remarks keep you from making a difference.
- Do what you can.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16
Quotes
Let’s all determine to be like the children I saw on the beach that day. They noticed the need and were so willing to help. Go make a difference somewhere, just like they did in the “Minnow Story!”
Related Posts
Tips and Ideas for a Great Beach Vacation
Do You Ever Wonder if You Make a Difference?
Lessons from the Beach – Broken but Beautiful
Lessons from the Beach – My Footprints in the Sand
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
What a sweet story! My boys and I have done this with starfish and other sea creatures before too. Yes, nature can be cruel but it’s always nice to help and save at least one little animal that might not have otherwise made it.
Amen!!!
This is very sweet, I love this. I feel like, as a mom, I spend so much time thinking about the needs of my family that it becomes hard to notice the needs of others around me. I love this.
I would love to invite you to share your post on my Tell It To Me Tuesday link party, and have the chance to be featured. You can find the most recent one at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/tell-it-to-me-tuesday-5-7-11-23-link-party/. I hope you to see you there!
Thank you so much! I will definitely check out your link party. I love seeing all the great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
What a sweet story! Kids can do the most amazing things, can’t they?
They sure can!
Susan, what a lovely story. I so love your lessons.
Visiting from IMM
Thank you so much! ❤️
Susan, this is such a sweet story! The lessons you gleaned are ones we need to remember. We may not be able to save them all but we can save or help the ones we can!
It was such a blessing to come across those kids on the beach that day!
What a fantastic lesson from the beach! It’s interesting the kids would even notice those tiny minnow as most are usually swimming or building sandcastles but I’m so glad these kids took note and set out to make a difference. It’s such a sweet and timly message for all of us! Hugs, CoCo
It was a true blessing to witness this! They were very sweet!
What kind word! Thank you so much!
What a sweet and inspiring story! I hope those children will always remember this experience and the truths from it. The starfish story has often inspired me.
I hope they do too! 😊
As always, what a beautiful lesson. I love all the life lessons that God sends us through nature. Loving your words, my friend.
Awww! Thank you Jill!