“Every blade of grass has it’s angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘grow, grow’. –The Talmud

When I wake up in the morning I usually feel pretty good. There’s a lot to look forward to in the early hours, like a strong cup of coffee and a day open for possibilities. I manage to serve breakfast, pack lunches, dress, drive and drop two kids off at school to return home, still eager to sink my teeth into the hours that lie before me. Unfortunately, the clock seems to tick in double time often leaving me feeling outrun. This in turn begins the if I could just… cycle.

If I could just work on this project for a few uninterrupted days…

If I could just hire a cleaning lady…

If I could just get some time to myself…

If I could just get a little more sleep…

If I could just find a pair of matching socks…

I fixate on these ideas with some crazy notion that my life would change if I could just... Oh brother. I am evolved enough to know by now that if it weren’t this list, another would most certainly take its place.

When I spotted this little spring of grass popping up from a tiny crack in our patio, I was intrigued and inspired. If this little speck of life can muster up enough energy to emerge from a nearly impossible place, then what’s to say I can’t do the same?

How would it feel to choose contentedness over desperation? What if my daily efforts were enough (without apology)? Can I put my energy into growing right where I am planted and be happy about it? I hold the hope that I can. If I could just find that angel...