The Budding Fig Tree

Where is this parable? Matthew 24:32-35

Like a lot of people, I am now working from home. After 7 hours sitting in front of my computer working on spreadsheets, emails, documents, etc., I decided to take a break. I headed outside to my backyard and take a seat upon a rock ledge that overlooks a pond that sits behind our house. Looking at the reflection on the pond I can see blue skies spotted with white and gray clouds,  I can see trees opening their purple and white blossoms and trees with green leaves as they come out of their winter sleep and bring us into Spring. I see the ripples in the water as a frog jumps in or where fish and turtles come back up to find a snack or get fresh air.

Closing my eyes and breathing in fresh air, I focus on sounds. I hear all sorts of birds singing, a dog in the distance barking, kids playing somewhere close by and the sound of cars traveling a nearby road. As I sit here, I am in awe of what all God has created. The seasons, the animals, the water, earth and sky.  I am also in awe of how we are created.  Our ability to see, to hear, to smell, to touch, and to love.  Each day is a new day to stop and just see what God has created and to take it in.

As I sit here at my computer, I know that many are tired of cooking, entertaining small kids, and trying to figure out this new virtual way of life. But stop and think for minute, has it made you slow down, made you take a walk around the block to get fresh air, has it made you play games and share laughter with your family, has it instilled a new meaning of Family Dinner at the Table? This virus will eventually let up and things will go back to normal, but will it be a new normal? What lessons will we learn from this?

Matthew 24:32-35 tells us to learn a lesson from the fig tree, when it leaves come out, summer is near. As we approach Holy Week, we know what is near!  But do we focus on the journey to the cross and stop there, do we focus on the crucifixion and stop there, or do we keep journeying with our eyes on the prize – the Risen King.

Take a moment this week and just sit, be still, close your eyes and listen for God in the sounds around you.  Make an extra effort to find the good in the small things and learn more about your hearts yearnings.

Prayers of health and peace.

Toni Palmer, Youth Leader
Forest Park Christian Church, Tulsa