Of Oaks and Acorns

If you look on the ground, around the base of a big oak tree (especially in the Spring), you will usually see a multitude of acorns. Some brown acorns and some green. Some are already rotting, and some are food for squirrels and chipmunks. The ambitious ones have already burrowed and begun to sprout. You will see tens to hundreds of small oak saplings taking root. These little acorns want what the other acorns want. They want to grow into a big strong oak. Like the one towering above them. They compete with each other, they sprout, they grow a bit, and then... the growth stops. For as long as that big oak towers above them, they won't have a chance to reach their goal of transitioning and growing from acorn to oak.

This is a sad story if you are a tree. But for humans, there is hope. Unlike trees, people can pick up their roots and plant themselves somewhere else, with nutrients and space to grow. With sun and water.

So for the ambitious acorns out there; find a spot that works for you, but gives you room to grow. Find an oak that gives you shade and protection, but not too close to stifle your growth. And to all you oaks out there; thank you for your strength and protection, but don't forget about all of the little acorns and their dreams of growing strong high into the sky too.

For all of you that feel you are one versus the other, remember... You can't be an oak without first being an acorn. And you can't be a successful acorn without turning into an oak.