I had no idea what to expect. I was meeting a group in Hollywood. We were going to discuss potential ideas to address the community’s employment needs. Micro-finance, community partnerships, and everything else would be on the table. Everything about our meeting except the broad subject was unknown. I had no idea how many people would be there. There was no way of knowing what kind of tone would shape our discussion. Even the backgrounds were a mystery.
When I think of great ideas, I often wonder how they got started. Was like our meeting in Hollywood? When the early personal computer geeks had a good idea, did they sit around a table and brainstorm what could be done? How many were there, then and now? For us, “there were about twelve people there that day.” (Acts 19.7) In other situations there were not as many. Without any particular evidence to support my observation, it seems that there seems to be at least three present.
As I look back on our meeting and contrast it with the stories of how great ideas were born, I find familiar overlaps. Their stories, and potentially ours, share common threads.
A group of people who share intent while bringing diversity often give birth to ideas that grow into something greater than they intended.
A group willing to explore the unusual and unconventional often discovers something that others have been unable to see or find.
A group that is willing to listen will find themselves in the presence of wisdom greater than what is present or imagined.
I do not know if our meeting will mark the beginnings of something great. It may be a footnote in my memory of meeting interesting people and exploring fun ideas. I do know that we have the beginnings of something that is more than the individuals present. There is potential for more.
Today unfolds with the potential for something more. You and I can seize the day. We can make a difference. When we work with others, we can reach beyond our dreams.
