The Lesson of the Fig Tree

A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit year after year but found none. He told the gardener, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?" The gardener replied, "Sir, give it one more year. I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." God is patient with us, giving us time to grow.