Bearing Fruit

My fig tree is over twenty years old, a gift from Liz in 2004 for our Silver Wedding. It lived in the conservatory in Kirby for 10 years, and from 2008 onwards I enjoyed fresh figs all through the summer months.
Then we moved it to the Cornerstones garden in summer 2014. It has not produced any fruit since it was forced to live outside. 

Then last March, disaster struck - the men came to replace the fence, so I moved the fig in its pot to another part of the garden -and a piece of stacked timber fell and cracked the plastic pot.
I was upset, but took the opportunity to buy a larger, stronger pot, and to relocate it on the concrete base at the side of the summerhouse

And this summer, it has put forth many leaves and dozens of baby figs...
I am ridiculously excited at the prospect of fruit again this summer. Figs are mentioned a lot in the bible. The first mention of sewing refers to Adam and Eve making themselves garments of fig leaves! The growth on a fig tree symbolises the coming of summer, and hope. 
And Habakkuk speaks of faith in difficult times "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I WILL rejoice in the LORD, I WILL find joy in the God of my salvation....The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."
The prophet Micah looks forward to a time when "Everyone will sit under their own vine and fig tree, and live in peace and unafraid"

Look! here are figs on my tree - maybe this summer I will once again have a harvest of fruit.
The summer is coming
I have hope
But even if there are no figs, I can trust that God will provide, and He will give me strength.

Today I am thinking especially of those who are suffering the pain of bereavement right now, may God bring them comfort, and peace, and surround them with love.