Unfolding the Rose A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day. Feeling
a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked
up to a rose bush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing any of the 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 ministry. But, because of his great respect for the older preacher, he
proceeded to try and unfold the rosebud while keeping every petal intact . . . It wasn't long before he realized how impossible
this was to do. Noticing the young preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began
to recite the following poem:
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, Then, in my hands, they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud, The flower
of God's design, Then how can I have the wisdom To unfold this life of mine?
So, I'll trust in Him for leading Each moment of my
day. I will look to Him for His guidance Each step of the Pilgrim's 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.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an
hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them. Send this message to the people you will
never forget, and remember to send it also to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll
never forget them. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry.
Take the time to LIVE!!! Distance and time may separate
us, but friendship and memories won't. Just thinking of you today........
ONE NATION UNDER GOD IN GOD WE TRUST GOD BLESS AMERICA
Thanks Barbara C. for sending this to us
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