Rose in Bloom

Life is full of changes.  It's a simple enough fact that in the earlier stages of my life I frequently lamented.  Change was the thing that frequently seemed to rob me of what was dear to me.

Ever since I was a little girl, I looked upon change as a cruel and mischievous opponent.  Many times, change has inspired fear, frustration, anxiety, and deep sorrow in me.  I'm pretty sure my first post on this blog was about change and my struggles to deal with change.

But something has changed in me.  Time has taught me a lesson about change and the gifts that it brings.  Change can bring growth, knowledge, love, friendship, new life, adventure, and so much more.  Now, when change comes knocking on my door, I look upon her as a dear, but still mischievous friend.

Nowadays, I see her approaching and find myself sighing, "Well, old friend, what do you have planned for me now?"  Of course, I know that it is not change herself, but God, the author of change that brings the gift of change, but that's not really the point.

Recently, I find myself standing face to face with some pretty big changes, some of which are of my own doing and some of which are out of my hands.  Some of the changes are a bit painful, while others are rather pleasant.  For the pleasant ones, I need not say much.  As for the painful ones, well, I recently found some consolation in the words of a dear friend.

She quoted to me a line from the hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.  The line was, "Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above."  It reminded me of a favorite book of mine, Rose in Bloom, in which the main character, a young girl coming into womanhood, is described as a blooming rose, carefully deciding which petal to unfold next.

My heart is unfolding little by little.  I do not know what will happen next, but I know that God is guiding and directing my life.  So, once again, I'll do me best to trust in Him and continuing to hope for the day when my life will come into full bloom.