Acorns, Acorns, Everywhere

                We recently moved onto two beautiful acres, and we had so many trees that we didn’t know what to do with ourselves.  We took time to research which ones to keep and which ones needed removal before we begin some construction.  We also took time to trim them up, because they had been neglected for way too long.  Now that it’s Fall, a day doesn’t go by when I don’t hear multiple loud “crack!” noises coming from outside.  Acorns fall from these beautiful trees and hit the skylight window, the roof, or the cars with a resounding “thud” each time.  Sometimes it catches me off guard and makes me jump.  I’ve learned to appreciate the sound, but now I am annoyed by the mess on the ground.  Acorns are everywhere.  We can’t walk onto our back patio barefoot without the irritation of stepping on hundreds of acorns in our path. 

Today, I chose to do something about this little problem.  The kids were at school, the hubby was at work, and I decided to take up some Power Tool Cleaning.  We just invested in a high-tech battery operated blower.  My son had to show me how to use it a few months ago, because I couldn’t stand all the leaves that collected around our main entrance.  Now it was the acorns that were taunting me.  Boy, did I get after it.  I blasted acorns away from our entrance, porch, and driveway.  And I was proud of myself. 

Here’s where the story gets interesting.  The acorns will return.  They will continue falling from the trees all season.  They will get back underfoot as sure as the weeds grow back after pruning and the bugs continue to bite.  Such is life.  What acorns do you have in your life?  What little annoyances?  What stresses?  What hurdles to overcome?  It could be as simple as a really full calendar with chaos as your companion during the busy holiday season that looms ahead.  It could be a really tough season of loss and grief.  I’m in the middle of both of those right now.  Smack dab in the middle.  And I’ve found that I can still put a smile on my face.  I can still show up and dance.  I can still be there for my friends, because they have their own stresses too.  There will be times when life feels neat and clean and tidy, like the feeling I had when I blew all those acorns away today.  There will be times when there is no end in sight.  Acorns, Acorns, Everywhere.  Don’t let those acorns stop you from walking ahead.