Genesis 8:6-12
“he sent out the dove from the ark;
11 and the dove came back to him in the evening,
and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf;
so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.”
The dove and the olive leaf are symbols of peace and cooperation. According to the Internet, “The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology.” I suspect Noah predates the Greek Olympics image.
The dove returning to the Ark symbolized to Noah that the anger of God had subsided and it was safe to leave the Ark. The rainbow symbolized to God his commitment to never send another flood. God was affirming that the relationship with people was going to continue. So how do we make peace? For some it is “kiss and make up or out,” and for others it is flowers and chocolates. Sometimes we bow our head and whisper “sorry” or write a note of apology. Pretending an offense did not happen is probably the least healthy reconciliation tactic. I find what gets buried often pops up in other areas, at inconvenient times and in inappropriate ways.
Let’s take a moment today to ask God to shine the light of his truth on our hearts and reveal any simmering issues we needs to lay to rest. Perhaps we need to offer an olive leaf to someone and find peace. Blessings as you are honest with yourself!
On the Way to Wonder 