FIG TREES AND THE LESSONS THEY BEAR, EVEN WHILE BARREN

“There once was a person who had a fig tree in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”

This is really good to remember when I go through the issues and challenges of the minutes, hours, days, and even months, of growing.  Many times I have gazed at myself and said “What`s the use ? Why keep on being diligent, disciplined, and devoted?”

During those moments I hear a still small voice gently saying “Give yourself more time, Allow yourself the needed regimen to continue growing.”

Shortly after this moment I find that the experienced challenge was a period of growth. 

I, many times afterwards, have received Blessings, that I desired.

Reflecting upon this I have realized that if I would have quit, the Blessings may have not arrived.

                                                                                                 Br. Phil. 10-25-14