A Leaf of Hope

Five years ago for Christmas my B.B.(beautiful bride) as I affectionately call her, gave me a framed picture of us, (me still sporting the mustache that I wore for so long) with this devotional that she had written. As I was doing my quiet time this morning I was reminded of her gift and I wanted to share it with you.

"A Leaf of Hope"
Genesis 8:11 "When the dove returned to him (Noah) in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth"

Noah would have been happy to have the dove, but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The dove brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn't that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf - evidence of dry land after a flood.

Don't we love the olive leafs of life? And the people who bring them? When a husband comforts his wife and cares for her during difficult times. When a wife encourages her husband, when it seems like the world is against him. When a friend calls just to let you know they care. When a stranger does something kind, or when you read a scripture that you have read many times but the Holy Spirit brings it to life at just the right moment.

Take some time today to look around for the olive leafs of hope, but also to thank God for the people in your life who bring them. God is faithful and just because you can not see the dry land doesn't mean it is not there. There is a dove on your way and he has an olive leaf in his mouth, just for you!