The rose is my absolute favorite flower! Over the years I have been blessed to receive many roses, sometimes a breathtaking bouquet and sometimes a delicate single rose. To be honest, I enjoy both the same. I do not have a particular color I like more than another but prefer a bouquet to be all one color. I also have a small collection of roses - pictures, ceramic, jewel boxes, etc. Because I love roses so much, I thought I would add a rose category to my blog. I hope you enjoy these roses as much as I do.
Unfolding the Rose
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do. He was inquiring of the older preacher, “How can I be sure what God’s Will is for my ministry?” The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact… It wasn’t long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.
Noticing the younger preacher’s inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem…
A flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
Is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I’ll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Joyce said,
January 17, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Hello,
How beautifful. I love roses also. The story and the poem was breath taking. I never had thought of it like that. Have a great evening.
Love and Hug,
Joyce
SandyCarlson said,
January 19, 2008 at 7:05 pm
This is beautifully written. I needed this apt reminder today. Thank you so very much. God bless.
cricket51 said,
January 19, 2008 at 7:51 pm
You are very welcome Sandy. I have gone back to this poem many times, especially this past year. It has given me guidance to go to the Lord to see which road I need to take. I am happy it has helped you today. Blessings.