Unfolding the Rosebud

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 who 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 that the task was impossible. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

    Unfolding the Rosebud

    It is only a tiny rosebud,
    A flower of God's design;
    But I cannot unfold the petals
    With these clumsy hands of mine.
    The secret of unfolding flowers
    Is not known to such as I.
    God opens this flower so sweetly,
    In my hands it will fade and die.
    If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
    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.

    ~ Author Unknown