This summer be a FIG and DIG

Be a FIG and DIG

This is one of those days when you think you are doing one thing, and you end up doing another.  I thought I was going to be writing about “BALANCE,” you know—“to everything there is a season.”  Instead, I have spent the morning doing some study about fig trees in the Bible.  Yes,  I said “fig trees,” those things that cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness and signs of  the Hebrew People’s abundance and plenty during King Solomon’s time (Genesis 3:7 and 1 Kings 4:25). 

The stories most often retold about “figs” in the Bible are the account of Jesus cursing the tree that does not bear fruit, and the parable of the gardener bartering one more year during which he will work diligently to make a fig tree produce fruit.  I looked at 44 instances of “figs” which are medicine, food, abundance, sweet, shade giving and a long lived symbol of peace,  and  I found the parable of summer.  How did I miss this figgy morsel?  It appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke. It was right in front of me, and I didn’t see it!

²⁹ Jesus told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (Luke 21:29-30 NIV)

This parable gives us a marvelous moment to remember that summer will follow winter.  Summer was always coming, but we need to “see for (our)selves.” The wonders of the world can remind us that the “Kingdom of God is near” even though it was always there.  Just like that, I realize that I am writing about BALANCE.  Balance is not staying at perfect center, but it is adjusting and re-grounding ourselves when the stone, ripple, or gust of wind causes us to lean. 

This summer you have an opportunity to reach for balance with your family.  These Wednesday summer nights be a FIG and gather your Family In the Garden.  Volunteers will be available to help your family work together to provide fruits and vegetables for the Northside Ministries Food Pantry.   After work or school on Wednesdays, gather in the Community Garden of Second Presbyterian Church, from 4:00 pm until dark.  Rest in the comfortable seating and know that “you’ve got mail.”  The mail box holds a short story and family devotion.  There is also a list of tasks for smalls to talls.  Here’s a fun fact:  it is a wasp that makes the fig tree bear fruit; it is a teeny tiny wasp.  For that reason, you KNOW everyone is welcome in the Garden!

Your family will have a chance to DIG:

Devotion time

I Wonder Questions

Good works

 In case of rain, the Food Pantry will welcome your family to restock shelves and help clients shop for necessities.  

This summer be a Wednesday FIG and DIG in the Second Presbyterian Church Community Garden.