When Little Things Adds Up to a Big Thing

Something wonderful happened today. I’d like to share it with you and tell the story.

We have a large fig tree in our backyard. The tree produces figs. It’s surprising to get fresh juicy fruit in the middle of the desert, but this fig tree has consistently produced for years. Even when it’s over 100 degrees outside for weeks at a time, the tree still provides lots of tasty fruit.

Early this morning, my wife Marieta was outside picking the latest crop of figs. There were so many figs on the tree that she needed a bucket. After she was done picking the figs, I noticed she left a few on the tree. The figs were big and ripe and clearly ready to be picked.

I asked her why she didn’t take those figs. Why didn’t she pick *all* the fruit off the tree?

Her answer was beautiful. Pure poetry.

Marieta said that the birds need to eat, too. We have birds in our neighborhood. It’s nice to hear them sing. However, sparrows and mockingbirds and other creatures have a really hard time finding reliable food sources in the heat of the desert. Sadly, some birds and other animals even starve. So, she decided to start leaving some figs on the tree for them to enjoy.

She noted that we have plenty. So, why not share? Let nature share in its own bountiful harvests.

I think there’s an important lesson there for us all about nature, the environment, consumer society, social responsibility, and where we fit into the scheme of things. We don’t have to take it all, every time. Share.

Sure, leaving a few figs on a tree is a small thing. But it’s a big thing for those birds who are lucky and get to enjoy the fruit. I think life is better when we do those kinds of small things. If we all do the small things, it’s a really big thing for everybody.