In Time

That mischievous red-head...he knows my heart. He tromps in on a December noon...hands me a brown paper bag and tells me to peek inside. He's gotten me something.

Paper whites - six of them. Well, at the moment they're just bulbs but soon they will grow into those gorgeous blooms.

He knows I love to grow things...love seeing the earthy roots dangle about...love having a sprinkle of life in the midst of winter.

I walk to the kitchen. Pull the vessel from above and force the delicate roots into a stony foundation. I fill it with water, just enough for the roots thirst to be quenched, and place them next to a window but days later - nothing.  A few more days go by - still nothing. Upon inspection the bulbs had molded. 

"Throw them out. They're useless now." He says in a frustrated tone.

Everything seems hurried to this young man. 

He gets it from me. 

But age, and time, and heartache, teaches patience. 

I wait. 

Maybe all they need is a bit of time? Perhaps a bit of change to the atmosphere?
I change the water and bring it up higher.
Change the light source.
Wait.

One by one, the papery brown bulbs birth green shoots - life.

Sometimes my heart is shattered upon stony ground...each day can seem hopeless...impossible. 

But - when I immerse myself in living water, turn my eyes to His light, in time it will always bring shoots of growth and beauty. Life once again.

Until then...

Jessie