Easter Week: Monday -- The Cursing of The Fig Tree

Figs

There is a story in the Bible about Jesus coming to a fig tree when He was hungry, and finding no fruit on it. He cursed it, and it died.

I think the story of the fig tree is meant to remind us that we are not to be idle, and "unfruitful".  We are to lead by example, by keeping the commandments, by going about doing good, and loving as Jesus did.  We have been given abilities and talents and we are to use them in the service of our God.  Jesus is loving and kind.  He is sympathetic, and understanding.  He also has expectations, and the story of the fig tree is a warning to help us remember that we need to put forth some effort in a quest to follow Him.

In Matthew 7:17 Jesus said, "...every good tree bringeth forth good fruit...".  In verse 19 He says "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."  On this day of Easter week, it would be a good idea to find something good we can do for someone.  We can forgive.  We can be kind.  We can be thankful.  We can be helpful.  Any time we do these kinds of things, I believe that we are putting forth good fruits, and are showing love for the Savior who gave everything for us.

Being Excessively Sorry

This is a picture I took so we could wish our nephew a happy birthday.
When I apologize excessively it is usually to Derek who
kindly reminds me that I am not responsible for everything.

Last evening I realized that I was apologizing a lot.  What was I doing wrong?  Well, really I was not having as much energy I wanted, and so I wasn't doing all I thought I should do, and so I felt I was letting people down.  Who was I really letting down?  Only me.  Were my expectations for myself a little ridiculous?  Probably.  Did I keep doing things when I didn't need to?  Of course.  Did I ask for help?  Yes, I did a couple of times.  Yay me!  Should I have asked for more?  Definitely.

I think that I apologize excessively less than I used to, and I am thankful that realizing I was apologizing too much gave me a clue that I needed to rest.  I was smart enough to climb in my bed a little early and stop worrying over little things that don't matter.  Now I just need to figure out how to have more reasonable expectations all of the time, and to more consistently ask for help instead of trying to do so many things by myself!