And Then.

Today's bedtime story was And Then it's Spring by Julie Fogliano.  (Actually, if we're honest, it was one of many books I was coerced into reading to little children who had no intention of really going to sleep when I finished.  But I digress.)
I'd never read it before, but it starts in a brown world, post-winter, and the little boy plants a seed.  And at first he is hopeful, but as weeks go by and nothing happens, he grows considerably less so.  Then there's a page that shows us a cross section of the brown...and underneath the top layer, ants and worms are building tunnels and those little seeds have turned green and started growing magnificent roots.  But the boy can't see that, of course.  All he sees is "still brown."  Until one day it isn't.
I can't help but think this book was given to me today.  Yes, my boys like the looking at the worms and finding the dog, but I just kept looking at those roots.  Those roots!  Underground, invisible, but so strong and significant!  What is growing in the dirt in my life?  In my career?  In our finances?  In our marriage?  In my kiddos hearts?  What do I need to protect?  And be patient for?  It still feels like winter, but sometimes spring happens overnight.
Here's to hoping for soon.