“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.” Matthew 24:32 (ESV)
In this passage Jesus pointed out to his disciples how one might tell the coming of summer by watching the transition of the fig tree. When the leaves appear, you know summer is near. Even if you do not know the time or the day its arrival should not come as a surprise.
Summer is a season of transitions. The coolness of Spring is melted away in the summer’s heat. The gentleness of a spring rain gives way to summer’s thunderstorm. As we say in the South, thank the Lord for air conditioning and sweet tea. The summer is a welcome season of transition for students. After a challenging academic year summer break is a welcome respite. Even if you aren’t a student or have students in your household, you might at least notice fewer of those yellow school buses and carpool traffic on the morning commute.
While for some summer is welcomed with rejoicing and others are eagerly awaiting the cooler dry air of the fall, the lesson becomes what are we doing in the season we are given?
What transitions are awaiting you this year? For what transitions are you preparing?