A few summers ago, a child in our neighborhood did a science project: plant three little seeds in a paper cup. Day one, he watered the soil and pressed his nose to the dirt, looking for green. Nothing. Day two—nothing. Day three—still nothing. He was ready to throw the cup away. His mom said, “Give it time. Roots grow first.” He kept watering. On day seven, a thin, brave sprout broke the surface—proof that while he saw nothing, something was happening the whole time.