In our yard, my father had a prized fig tree. Every year before the winter winds and chilling cold set in, he took great care to wrap it up tightly.  While not the most beautiful sight in the world, it did the job. His fig tree had the protection of old newspapers and tar paper to withstand winter’s snowfalls, ice storms, and freezing temperatures.

 My father knew that for his fig tree to stay alive and produce his coveted figs, he had to take these precautions. My father’s diligence and persistence were always rewarded.

 Every spring we watched the fig tree burst its glorious green leaves.  With summer’s arrival, came the tree’s edible, juicy treasures. My father’s foresight, perseverance, and time unquestionably yielded good fruit.

 Lent is upon us once again. With it comes our challenge to yield our good fruits. What are the wrappings we need to help us to do just that? Probably our biggest challenge is to realize that we do indeed need this quiet time to renew, refresh, and restore what needs revitalization.

 One simple goal is one decision: Do I want to become a better person?  This awareness tells us that we can become better than we are right now. It doesn’t point to any one thing that needs fixing. It asks: What can I do better? And then we wait and listen to the Lord’s feedback.

 While we are waiting and listening, the Lord is cleansing the lens of our perception. In this way, he provides a clean window for us to see more clearly. With a new vision we can be better in this present moment instead of who we presently are, by freely sharing our gifts with others who have far less.

 What else is surfacing is our willingness to become the person God created us to be.  More importantly, we want to move forward in that direction, growing “To be who we are, and to be that well, as a testament to the master craftsman who created us. Our free will now kicks in, as Jesus points the way for us.

 Lent becomes truly what it is intended to be: a moment to soften our hearts, focus on those who reside around us, and seek the Lord’s guidance along the way. These are the wrappings we need to oversee our blossoming into Christ’s followers. Lent then can do what it does best – ready us for Easter’s gift of new life.

St. Francis de Sales’ positive words are a marvelous encouragement: 

 Having called you to this life.  God will strengthen you with  grace to do what is required for God’s glory and for your own welfare and happiness, provided you walk simply in faithful observance.

 These words are ideal in themselves as we walk our Lenten path.

Painting by: Y. Wang