Like a Seed

Timmy clung to me for extra bedtime hugs and kisses. Sometimes I look at his lanky, 7 year old body, and finally get how fast it all goes.
"I'm going to miss you tonight," he said. I smile and reassure him that I 'm not going anywhere, and that I'll be there when he wakes up.
He said, "I'm like a seed. I don't want to come out of the ground and see things. I don't want to leave." I pointed out that a tree with branches spreading all around still has roots in the soil.
It is tender to see his contrasting needs for attachment and separation, oneness and independence. Bless us on this journey of growing up together, Lord.