My husband and I spent most of the weekend tending to our yard which we neglected over the winter months. We spruced up the flower bed, planted new bushes and flowers, put down eight bags of mulch, and pulled weeds until I thought my back might break. I’m reminded every spring that yard work is good therapy for my heart.

I was delighted to find two small sprouts of returning plants in my flower bed. I thought for sure if I hadn’t managed to kill everything in that bed, winter must’ve finished it off. Instead, I was excited to discover rebirth and new life showing up where I thought nothing good remained.

My husband was in charge of digging holes and putting the dirt in a bucket for me to use while planting flowers. I cleared the dirt of large rocks and roots before scooping it back into the holes as filler around my new plants. I was struck with the realization that in order for my plants to grow, they needed dirt to support the roots.

I suppose human life and plant life work in much the same ways. Some dirt keeps the roots in place, supporting strong growth. And just as winter comes and goes, and you think nothing good is left, spring brings little surprises.

Never let anyone shame you for the dirt in your past. It serves a purpose: your growth. And when you think all that’s good in your life has died, wait. Life might surprise you in unexpected ways.