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“And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Luke 21:29-33

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Buds and tender leaves push through swollen-tipped branches.
Easing forward a little more every day.
Spreading, yawning and stretching towards the sun.

Direction.
Expectation.
Promise.
Assurance.

The fig knows when and how to interpret the signs. Summoned awake, as it were, by the inner push and pull and tug of our Creator, it draws itself up from the ground and breaks through time to herald the season of leaf and fruit and harvest.

Sometimes, if I’m still, I can feel it too. That push and pull and tug that tells me:

The Kingdom of God is near.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

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