A “volunteer” fig tree sprung up in our yard this summer. We left it alone, cautiously optimistic that we might get some fruit. It did not disappoint. We picked five or six ripe figs a day for a couple of weeks at the height of summer.
The ones we didn’t pick the birds took care of until we realized that they we’re getting more than their fair share. So, we put a large piece of netting over the tree to keep them at bay.
But the netting also kept us at bay, making it more challenging to get to the ripe fruit on the days we remembered to pick it.
That’s when the fig beetles showed up. Overripe fruit takes them to their happy place and they came in droves to get it.
From across the yard I noticed a dark clump where a green fig had been ripening. Upon inspection that “clump” was the beetles amassed in the photo above. It was impressive to see them make quick work of that mushy piece of fruit.
It got me thinking about the opportunities or ideas I am sometimes slow in acting on, the fruit that ripens in my mind and heart that looks so promising as it grows but becomes more intimidating the closer it gets to harvest time.
“What if I’m not ready?”
“What if nobody gets it?”
“What if it’s not good enough?”
This is what’s true: if you’re ever “ready” you’ve waited too long.
The birds and the beetles will get their fill.
Will you get yours?
DAVID BERRY is the author of “A More Daring Life: Finding Voice at the Crossroads of Change” and the founder of RULE13 Learning. He speaks and writes about the complexity of leading in a changing world.
