Genesis 7:8 Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. 10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.

 

My Olive Leaf

 

With waters rising all around today,

Hope and despair are in a raging battle as I bow my head to pray.

I feel as if I am in a tiny boat well worn from high water and gusty winds.

I feel I have no oar, nor strength, to paddle as water comes rushing in.

 

I ask God why did He allow things to turn out this way.

I, tired and weary, ask God did He hear the prayer I prayed yesterday.

I remember the days of Noah and the ark which kept him safe and dry.

I remember his faith but feel my own wavering no matter how hard I try.

 

I think of Noah's happy ending but still, worry about tomorrow.

Did God bring me this far to only let me sink in sorrow?

As I think these thoughts of dread and despair,

As I wonder does God or anyone care.

 

I wonder how tired Noah was after 150 days afloat.

I wonder how sick and tired he must have gotten of his boat.

Then, I think of Noah's dove who carried an olive leaf long ago.

The dove who seemed to quietly speak for God, "Noah, I told you so."

 

Today I prayed to God yet another time.

I guess I kind of asked, "God where is my sign?"

Where is my white dove carrying my leaf of green?

What have happened to promises of all the things I have not yet seen?

 

As suddenly as I prayed the prayer a call came in on my phone.

No, God didn't call, but He showed me my promises were not gone.

The call gave me renewed hope of receding waters and life anew.

The call reminded me not to give up whatever I do.

 

Yes, God sent a dove with my olive leaf today.

The tiny green leaf showed me promises of newness for which I pray.

My olive leaf reminded me my faith is as close as simply opening a door,

And allowing a dove who carried my olive leaf to fly free, returning no more.