The birds were chirping and calling to each other. The water only slightly moving, distorting reflections upon it. No wind, just stillness in the air.

And then, there it was…

Plink..

Plink…

Plink...Plink…

PLONK!

The noise startled me at first. And then I realized what it was. It was just an acorn, falling high from the oak tree, crashing onto the wood deck.

I was sitting on the back deck of the house, eating my lunch. I needed a break from being holed up in my room, writing furiously. Some food, fresh air and a time of no thinking would do the trick to help me push through and finish my work for the day.

Acorns kept dropping, one after the other.

Plink..plink..plink…

Plinkety...plonk...plonk…

Each one less startling than the last.

My mind wanted to rest, but it could not. Every acorn was grabbing at my attention.

These acorns are like our ideas. They stay connected to the tree, growing until they are ready to be released. Some travel a longer distance than others.

Sometimes we get really excited about our ideas, and rustle up everyone around us to get the word out - the acorns making the most noise as they fell.

Other times we drop them and say “Here’s my idea, world!” Just like the acorns that fell into the empty fire pit, making a louder noise than the others.

Sometimes similar ideas gather together to create something bigger - the acorns that fell on the deck, growing into piles.

Yet other ideas can be pulled apart, and used in ways we may not expect - taking the top off of an acorn gives you a whistle.

Still others will be taken by the crazy dog who likes to play with them - tossed in the air, thrown on the ground to bounce around, and eventually eaten. Unless you take them back.

And finally, some will make it to the ground, where they will find soil to grow into a new tree and bear new fruit.  

What ideas are you holding on to? Is it time to release them?

Are there people you can collaborate with to make your impact greater?

Are you willing to see your ideas used in different ways than you originally thought they would be?

What are you willing to fight for? Where do you want to see new life spring up?

Our ideas can turn into dreams, and our dreams are powerful.