Summer is Near

I want you to see the amazing miracle taken place outside our bedroom window. Now before you click over to "About Julie" to see if my last name is "Robinson" and I really live, stranded, on a deserted island with my Swiss family, let me explain. Remember we live in Tennessee; there is little level land here. We live on a hill and look out at treetops. Just a couple weeks ago, we saw barren branches creating frames around distant houses on the ridge behind our "holler" (that's as in "hollow," not as in "shout," for those north of the Mason Dixon line). But in a short time, those naked branches were warmed by increasing sunlight,drenched with spring rain, and now they've come alive. The view is new. Take a look.

Catch what Jesus told to "season watchers" of first century Jerusalem. His words tell us these new buds are ripe reminders for those who await His coming. As He talked about the last days, He told a story of a fig tree.

Luke 21:29-34

29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near...

34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

Summer is very near in Tennessee, and bright green leaves now fill my windows. I'm not sure what your view is like, but as the season turns, let's be reminded we can't afford to be weighed down with the "anxieties of life" here in this world. We don't want to be unprepared when our Jesus returns. He tells us to:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy.

As you watch the buds of summer unfold, let our own hearts be stirred to life, to be faithful until His return! What's growing at your house?