Olive trees....
I was reminded of a long ago scene from childhood this week as I walked...stepping outside I was hit with a heavy sweet scent of the blooming Russian olive trees nearby...they are in full bloom with their tiny yellow flowers and the scent is wafting through the heated air, a little overpowering....
Stepping back in time, I was a second or third grader, visiting a neighbor who had just picked fresh olives from a nearby olive grove... my friend and I were so excited to see fresh olives...what a treat...of course, we excitedly had to try one, thinking we were blessed...ugh...awful...
Olives were a holiday treat only...so expensive....they need time and brining before edible...and this was pre-olive oil times for our household...
Jumping forward in time ....we planted Russian olives twigs for wind breaks and bird habitat at one our homes ...my husband detested them as they are so “dangerous” with inch long thorns...but good bird food and wind deterrents...
Of course, Russian olive trees and olive trees are two very different varieties, similar in color, blooming, but not in fruiting...
Olive trees are talked about from Genesis to Revelations...the oil, the branches, the fruit, the wood, the groves...the comparisons, their part in life...
One commentary mentioned that because of the olive tree’s longevity, they became a symbol of perseverance and blessing of God’s people...as well wealth, success, blessing and fruitfulness because of their part in Israel’s economy and life ...ESV Archaeology Bible.
Last year, seeing them in context of the Bible was so special ...the groves were everywhere, olive wood was for sale from large items to 1/2 inch carved doves. They didn’t waste anything...olive oils were abundant in supply, or skin products, soaps...we ate oil with every meal..
So while I don’t live in an area that supports olive trees for agriculture, I have the Russian olive that in its way is a shelter, windbreaker, source of food for another community, the habitat that live in and around it...Provision for another part of God’s creation...
Just another reminder that God Provides....sustains, cares...thank YOU...
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Psalm 52:8-9
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:26-27
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