With a bumper crop and barns too small to store all of the produce, a landowner decided to build bigger barns. He could have chosen to feed the hungry. With the master of the house away, servants had the choice of performing their duties loyally or lackadaisically. Jesus advised steadfast readiness for His return, since we won’t get advance notice of the date and time. Like a person who looks at the weather conditions when making outdoor plans, doing the right thing depends on looking at the needs around us. The parable of an orchard owner who authorizes some extra fertilizing and tending of an unproductive fig tree means that the Lord remains patient with us because He wants us to bear fruit. Given the freedom to do as we please, do we take a break or take the opportunity to cultivate spiritual growth in ourselves and people around us?