Deciduous Not Dead.

We have a fig tree in our yard, and now as it is our winter time it is looking extremely barren. It is at the back of our garden, it has not one leaf on it and some may say that it is dead.

But because I know this tree well we are aware that the fig tree is deciduous not dead. During winter it always loses it's leaves and turns into a formation of ugly sticks. This event that happens can make a lot of mess and may cause some to worry about the lack of evidence of growth + life... but as with figs and our lives there are seasons.

As seasons change we can often feel confused and not aware of what is happening. When there are barren times often things are developing but under the surface and within the branches... and not necessarily on the outside for all to see the progress + process. At times it can look like a huge mess and when things all disappear one could think things are dead.

If there is an area in your life that looks like it is dead, it may very well just be deciduous... don't dig it out, wait and with the new seasons look out for growth. Often we are so close to our own situations that it's hard to see what is happening but looking at the bigger picture others/we may be able to see the seasons, the purpose, the process..... rather than the barrenness.

The English Penguin Dictionary defines the word "deciduous" as: tree having leaves that are shed seasonally, shed at a particular stage in development.

"A particular stage in development"...that is what it is, so do not be afraid of the barren/deciduous season. It may just be there to give you a rest before the next season where you will blossom and produce more fruit that the last year's.

Growing with you,

Akita.
28-6-07

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2 Timothy 4 v 2

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage -
with great patience and careful instruction.

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Akita Olsen
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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