This message is dedicated to a faithful servant of the Lord, named Eric - whom I have great respect for, and value his wisdom and encouragement. Thank you.

Recognition.

Every year we have friends that visit our home during "olive season" and collect olives from our huge tree. Our tree is so old that I am unable to put my arms around its base/truck. The tree now produces thousands of fruit every year. During the last picking season one of my friends made a statement that got me thinking. They said "I wonder who planted this tree, I wonder if they know how big it is now, and how much abundant fruit it produces?"

The olive tree is now in my yard, and now my property, under my care and we now reap the rewards. But I did not buy the plant, I did not place the tree in the ground, I did not water the young tree, I did not stake it when the winds came, I did not prune it, I have not spent years tending the tree, but someone did.

One of the interesting things is that many years people have come and taken from this tree, but only once has someone asked about the planter. No-one else ever wondered or asked - they just took, and this is normal I guess... to take and not recognise the efforts of people before us. The only reason why we have an olive tree in our yard is because someone planted it, someone looked after it so it could grow to be something that produces great fruit and now many can feed from it.

I have yet to locate the original owners of our property, I am not sure if I ever will. But have often thought about the look on their faces if one day they ever catch a glimpse of the tree now in its fullness, and for them now to see the growth and the good things that have come from that.

Buckets of fruit are collected every year for many families, parrots also come to feed from the tree, and in summer our hammock is hung from it's strong branches. We rest in the hammock, the tree also provides us with shade, and gives the children something strong to climb and jump from.

I know that God grows things, but people often do the watering, tending, and sowing of seeds. Normally recognition is not in the forefront of people's mind. Time, passion, heart, soul, and money is all given into supporting trees and in ministries. I hope and pray we all improve in the area of Recognition, not adoring or worshipping others but giving respect and credit where credit is due. Keep doing the good stuff.

Blessings,

Akita.
19-9-07

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Psalm 1 v 3

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

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Akita Olsen
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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