The way I see it, T-H-E most compelling reason to think big is because, thinking big creates community.

In August the House of Shine was invited to participate, as a vendor, in a fall festival at a local elementary school.  I thought it would be fun to sell handmade paper mache pumpkins filled with Halloween treats.  The idea was great in theory, but - as is usually the case with me - not especially realistic.

Nonetheless, I became singularly focused on creating 100 paper mache pumpkins, painted and stuffed by October 30, 2010.

Something happens when you think big.  Really big.  Audacious big.  You realize you can't go it alone, so you seek help.  People, in turn, move toward the challenge, wanting to be a part of it.  I think it is because - at our core - most of us like the idea of being in community and big, audacious goals give us an excuse to connect.

Blow up 100 balloons; paper mache over two weekends; let dry; paint and let dry; paint a second coat and let dry some more; cut out 200 eyes made of felt, 100 mouths, and 100 green patches to top pumpkins off; stuff pumpkins with treats; hot glue 200 eyes, 100 mouths; and 100 green felt tops; cut brown paper, twist, and stick in top as stem; spray paint display trays green; load into car; and two months later, sell the pumpkins for $3.00 each.

The bigger the goal, the greater the need for help.  The greater the need for help, the greater the likelihood you will invite others to join in and help where they can.  Eleven people, 22 hands, and five weekends later, all 100 pumpkins were finished and ready to be sold.

That exchange of time and talent - required for completing any audacious goal - is precisely where community is born.

If you're wondering why your community isn't stronger, maybe - just maybe - it's because you're not thinking big enough.

Join us in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post and tell us about a community you are a part of.  Are they thinking big enough?

Shining off until tomorrow...