THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

‘A man had a fig tree in the vineyard. He went looking for figs but found none. So he said to the gardener, “For three years I have been looking for figs on this tree, and I haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it go on using up the soil?” But the gardener answered, “Leave it alone, sir, just one more year; I’ll dig around it and put in some fertiliser. Then if the tree bears figs next year, great; if not, then you can have it cut down.”’ Luke 13:6-9

Spring has sprung! Isn’t it great to see the vibrant yellow of the daffodils, the purples of the crocuses, and the whole spectrum of colour in nature’s beautiful spread?

A few weeks ago I was pondering the story that Jesus told of the fig tree that wasn’t bearing figs.

It made me think on the pot plant sitting on my desk with its browning leaves. I took it along to church with me by way of illustration, and sought some advice from parishioners with much greener fingers than I have!

‘Put it in a bigger pot’, some said, others suggested more sunlight, and some suggested some plant food. I took their advice and it’s looking a lot healthier now! A bit of TLC – ‘tender loving care’ – has done it the world of good.

Jesus’ story is in part a reminder to each of us to nurture our souls, to take care of ourselves. What might we need to tend, feed, fertilise our spirit? It might take time – but it is worth a little effort.

Reverend Donald McCorkindale, Strontian, Morvern and Ardgour Parish Churches.