The first day of spring in Minnesota, we awoke to a 7-degree day, -11 with wind chill. We still had 3 feet of snow in our yard. Spring seemed far away. As the snow ever so slowly melts, I’m reminded that a change of season is not always easy. We like to forget about the ugly yet natural steps in the transition.

Spring conjures images of daffodils, dandelions, tulips, and warm breezy days. But spring is also mud and dirty piles of lingering snow. Rabbit poop, uprooted trunks, and other emerging evidence of what all those critters were doing in our yard over winter.

We put away shovels and trudge through the late snow storms—having faith it will melt soon enough. We wait for the ground to thaw and the sloppy muck to soak in and dry between raindrops. We plant seeds in the bareness. Gather up still more of last fall’s leaves and look for signs of green among the beds. The air smells of wet past mixed with fresh hope.

It’s a brief moment when the only thing visibly growing is the home improvement project list.

On our list this year is replacing our trees (Imprelis damage) and windows. In the mornings, I love to listen to the chorus of birds in our trees. The structural shift in our windows lets the sound in loud and clear. My husband complains about the noise waking him up, and I smile and hope the birds will still come say good morning when the old trees are gone.

I’ve noticed several spring blog posts sprouting up with colorful flowers from our southern friends and bright spring outfits and fabrics from more style-conscious bloggers. I might have to buy some Wellies, Chooka, or Nomad Monet rain boots to brighten up my photos. But here is my first real look at spring.

The robins have found good things in our yard, perhaps remnants of grubs or whatever the voles seemed to like. I’m happy they savor something in the mess.

Spring will eventually bring flowers. For now, spring means cleaning up. Starting new. Letting seeds germinate.

One of the books I’m writing is about seasons. Not so much winter to spring, but other transitions of life. Relationships. Growing old. Seasons of the heart.

Planting hope. Finding faith. Growing love.

What’s in your heart this season?