Rules are necessary to keep us safe, help us make good choices, make the things we do more efficient, and fair. There is no doubt that rules are important. It is also important to be compassionate. Compassion is holy. Jesus cared about people in need, and we should care too.

If you planted a fig tree wouldn’t you expect it to grow figs? You wouldn't expect it to grow oranges or apples or cherries. The purpose of a fig tree is to grow figs. We also have a purpose – each one of us. We have been given life by God – we need to use our lives to produce something of value. We need to make our lives count.

Jesus teaches us that we have the opportunity to accept God's love and when we do we will be like a fruit tree that grows and produces fruit. Our fruit is love and we have many opportunities to give our love to others. Don't miss an opportunity to have lots of love in your life.

Jesus says we should think about the future, especially our future with God, but he also advises us to think about the present time. He advises us to be aware of what is going on around us right now. Notice things - the way sun shines through the rain causing a rainbow, the way a flower grows, the way moonlight shines through your window. Notice the pattern of stars, how a stone feels in your hand, how fresh bread smells while it is baking, and how good it feels to be hugged by your mom or dad.

We all need time to daydream, gather new ideas and make plans. If most of our time is spent thinking about the future, we are not involved in the present. We miss opportunities to work at something we love, to help others or to spend time with our family and friends. Jesus' message seems to be that we should set priorities and decide what is important for the present time. Then, we will be able to balance our time between planning for the future and being productive and effective with our everyday activities.