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.
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..
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, 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.
he 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. 
