My sitting muscles are still reminding me today that I planted daffodil bulbs over the weekend. I had a great sense of accomplishment when I spread the mulch over the last patch of bulbs that were nestled six inches underground.

I often solicit the “awes” of amazement from the lucky ones at home when I finish a project in my flowerbeds. But as I carried the shovel to the shed, I realized that there would be no “awes” for me today. The beds that I worked in looked just like they did the day before. I would have to wait for spring for evidence of my efforts.

That feeling—walking away from the flowerbed that looks the same as it did before—is a recurring feeling in the rhythm of life as a parent.

Those daffodil bulbs and sore muscles reminded me of three parenting principles—

1. Parenting isn’t always glorious. Most of parenting happens in the monotonous mundane tasks. When I look back at my day–or week, year, or twenty years–it feels like looking at the mulched flowerbed. Nothing new or special. Another meal cooked. A baby comforted in the rocking chair. The same movie again. Kids picked up from school. It’s nothing worth an “awe” of amazement. Sometimes I want to trade the monotonous in for something more glorious. But the glorious moments of parenting show up when we are faithful in the monotonous.

2. Growth is happening. We can’t see the underground action on the daffodil bulb, nor can we see the growth happening on the inside of our kids. We see how much taller they are. We know when their shoes don’t fit anymore. But we are unaware of what values are taking root in their hearts. We hope. We water. And we remember—growth is happening, whether we can see it or not.

3. Spring is coming. In the middle of winter it’s hard to believe that new signs of growth will sprout all around us. But spring always comes–in the garden and in the family. Our kids give us the same delight as the daffodil does when it busts out in beautiful blooms in springtime. We finally get a showcase of the underground action that’s been cultivating. We see the beauty in our kids that has been maturing in their hearts. They tell the truth when it would have been more convenient to lie. They show courage with their friends. They show respect. They work hard for the neighbor.

Sometimes my parenting muscles are sore. The mundane tasks get a little boring, and it feels like there isn’t much progress to show for it. Other times I enjoy the spring season in the life of one of my kids. I see the outside evidence of deep growth that’s been cultivating on the inside.

Whatever season I’m in, I’m going to remember the daffodil.

Parenting isn’t always glorious.

Growth is happening.

Spring is coming.

Hopefully I’ll have a picture to share with you of some frilly daffodil blooms in about five months from now. In the meantime, may we be faithful in the monotonous while we wait for the spring.