Reflection: Signs of Renewal

by Daphne Webster OAM, Pastor, Oakey & District Uniting Church

At the recent Downs Presbytery meeting held in Oakey, all attendees received a “Piece of Peace”, a coaster fashioned from a piece of olive wood.

Our olive grove became neglected after we were told that our bore was contaminated, and my husband refused to use contaminated water on our trees, so that people who ate the product would not be affected by the chemicals. However, lack of water did not help the trees. Nor did lack of rain. Enthusiasm for the grove died as an undiagnosed illness set in. The neighbour was given permission for his cattle to graze in the grove – but cattle love olive leaves, and caused much damage to the trees.

After my husband Stan’s passing, our son decided that he wanted to rejuvenate the grove, and with a will to do this hard manual work, and money to equip, and update methods, the grove is now showing signs of renewal, with the first reasonable crop since 2017.

The coasters were made by one of our parishioners, Don Storey, who himself suffered a stroke a number of years ago, and woodwork is a therapy for him. The timber from our olive grove shows growth circles. It shows scars, some uneven, dead wood in the centre - but renewal occurred and growth surrounded the dying parts. Bruises and scars show that with a will and determination, and a helping hand, life can be restored. Uneven edges, bumps and lumps on the perimeter acknowledge imperfections that we learn to live with. We left the bark on, because bark stretches as growth continues, but surrounds and keeps the interior protected. Life, even for this piece of olive branch, is not always easy, but with determination, it can endure.

With the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, our thoughts, our words and actions, may we feel refreshed and renewed, in the knowledge of the love of God for each one of us.