"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow."

A few industrious squirrels appeared late last fall.

They pulled and tugged at the acorns on my neighbor's oak trees,

often ending up with leaves and small branches, as well.

These busy, little buggers then rushed around our backyards,

digging holes and burying said acorns to feast on in the months ahead.

Well, either the winter season was shorter than expected

or they had short-term amnesia, but many acorns went uneaten by spring.

So now we have little oak trees growing all over our yard.

In unwanted places, I am afraid.

If left to grow, we would have a venerable oak forest rather than yard.

To prevent this forest from growing, I pulled up a few baby trees.

(I know, tree hugger turns to killer---)

But this awful deed brought me a delightful surprise!

Each tiny tree had an intact acorn at its base that split where the secret beginnings were evident--a root growing down in the soil and the wee trunk growing up to the sun and air.

I gazed at each one in wonder, witnessing a miracle of growth.

So enthralled at these tiny trees still attached to their "mother" acorns,

I couldn't wait to share my wonder with my little grandchildren.

As hoped, they were just as thrilled as I to discover how trees begin.

Inspired, they raced around searching for some dry acorns that were lying around listlessly, just waiting for someone to notice them.

We then chose the perfect spot for a big, strong oak tree and dug a little hole.

This Texas dirt is not easy to dig even a little hole in, but they prevailed,

covering each acorn carefully.

Grandma's botany lesson was thorough and each acorn was given

a nice drink of water and a few words of encouragement before the whole process was over.

And now we wait and watch...

The phrase, "mighty oaks from little acorns grow," reminds us that great things come from small beginnings.

My heart swells with love for these little ones I call my grandbabies.

I am quite positive that, given light, warmth, air, space and a bit of water,

they, too, will grow to be great and strong.

And beautiful.

****************

And, to make this wordy blog post relevant to you,

here is another profound phrase I remember:

"Do not worry if your job is small

And your rewards are few.

Just remember that the mighty oak

Was once a nut, like you."

(I see that grin.)