Inspiration and Motivation
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Unfolding a Rose

A new Christian was walking with a more mature friend in a garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about God's will for his life, he inquired what he should do.  His friend walked up to a rosebush, handed him a rosebud,  and  told him to open it without tearing off any petals.  The new Christian looked in disbelief at his friend and tried to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life But because of his high respect for his friend  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 Christian's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, his friend 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,
     When in my hands they 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.

Unknown Source