I need another Year!

In yesterday’s Gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9) Jesus tells a parable about a landowner, gardner and a fig tree. Like all parables, there are many layers of meaning here and hopefully you can gain something by reflecting on His message. Here is my reflection, maybe you can relate:

I have been emotionally & professionally struggling for a couple of years now. Sometimes I feel I grow a little, and sometimes I even produce a little fruit, but it is not much. Like the fig tree, I keep standing around in the sun, looking up. Each morning I think that surely today I will know what I am supposed to do – today I will take action, I will flower or blossom or produce good fruit. I have taken in good nourishment from my roots, both in knowledge and in food. I am in good health and sound mind. Yet I struggle to generate fruit – to fulfill my purpose. Does this mean that I too should be “cut down”, removed from my job, or given up on by my friends or loved ones? I hope not, I know I am of value. I just need another year.

Thankfully, for those of us who feel like we are not “producing” the fruit that we should, God still believes in us. God is the good gardner. Sometimes the hardest part of growing is being patient with ourselves.

During this lent, perhaps you can reflect on the areas in your life that you need to be more patient with yourself.

Maybe, you need to look at someone that troubles you; your parents, your brother or sister or even a friend, and say to yourself – “I will not cut them down just yet, maybe they need another year.”