"If you don't plant something good, it fills up with thick mud."

As I waited, I picked up the Reader's Digest lying beside me. I scanned the cover and was drawn to a story regarding Tim Allen, the comedian and actor, the typical personal defeat and victory story. As I read, I learned he had been in jail for two years after being convicted for selling cocaine. As his story unfolded, it contained tragedy for him at age 11. His father was killed in a car accident. Tim stated, "no one ever said a word, nothing." He learned there wouldn't be answers for him. As his story continued, he made one of the most profound statements I have ever read, "When a personal tragedy happens to a child, it leaves a black hole and if there isn't something good to be planted in this hole, it fills up with thick mud." As I read this, my throat swallowed hard. I can perfectly picture this analogy. Planting requires rich soil that can be packed around the roots of young plants giving them strength and foundation, if the dirt is thick and muddy , it will not support the plant. Being a parent is the most wonderful priviledge and yet, one of the most humbling challenges I face each day. As I look at my children, one preparing for college , one just a few years behind, I hope and pray, through their personal tragedies, I have listened and answered. I want to be the Miracle Grow fertilizer that is placed deep, near their root system, so when life becomes hard, they have their faith for endurance and their hope for things not yet seen, grown in rich, dark soil with just the right consistency, no mud.