Editor's Comments: Each month on the back page of Thy Kingdom Come we try to share an insightful poem with the readers. This month's offering was sent to us by a longtime reader from Australia. She wrote, "I came across the above poem in the gardening section of our local newspaper, "The Chronicle" and I thought it is rather lovely. I was quite surprised by the little footnote as one does not often find these kinds of messages in a secular newspaper. I hope you enjoy it to. "The newspaper's comments were rather unusual in this day and age but very welcome. At the end of the poem, they printed these words, "Please share this poem with a friend if you enjoyed being reminded to let go and let God unfold your life."

Thank you, Lillian

 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 rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off 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 in his life and ministry. Because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact. It wasn't long before he realised how impossible this was to do. Seeing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rose without tearing it, the older preacher, began to recite the poem that follows.

UNFOLDING A ROSE  

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 the flower so sweetly
When in my hands they die.

  If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This 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 guidance
Each step o f the pilgrim way .

  The pathway that lies before me,
Only the Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose.