“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. …”
Mark 13:28 ESV
I’m reminded today of the importance of paying attention… staying awake… to the subtle signs of the season…
At both the beginning and end of my day… I was confronted with what seemed a sudden change… but in reality… happened over a long period of time…
Cleaning the bathroom this morning… I look out the window… I’m surprised by the jasmine in full bloom…
It’s been a year since the last flower fell… you’d think I would notice buds… hints of blossoms about to come forth… look forward with anticipation…
But No… a season of busyness has left me oblivious to the signs of what was coming…
Now suddenly… it’s here… (not really… I just didn’t pay attention…)
Then toward the end of the day… I look up from my work…
The fiery glow of the sunset…
Already…! What happened to the day…?!
It’s taken hours… for the sun to move from its rising… to its time of setting… yet… I find myself surprised…
Suddenly… it’s evening… (NOT…)
My morning reading of the Word… was for a call to… Stay awake…!
Look for the signs… pay attention…
He gives me a lesson today… shows me… I’m not awake… not paying attention… to the changing signs of the things right around me…
I’m allowing the subtle changes of the seasons… the days… to creep up on me… and surprise me with what seems like suddenness…
The lesson of the fig tree is one Jesus gave His disciples… to teach them how to prepare for His return…
“…Therefore stay wake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning — lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Mark 13:35-37 ESV
I hear Him tell me… with the surprise of sudden signs… it’s time to wake up… pay attention… prepare for His return… so I will not be caught sleeping…
What He says to me… He says to you… and to everyone… Stay awake…!
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