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The Bloom of Becoming

By Bonnie Gray • October 6, 2009 • 21 Comments

The Bloom of Becoming

A bloom begins —
It’s bud tightly closed

The opening of each day, it leans towards the sun
It stands in waiting and pauses at dusk.

It’s petals move only but a whisper
Holding and yielding in the moment
At rest, the flower moves with beauty
It’s eventual blossom, unhurried by force.

We long for the time of flowering
Our desire to blush peaks
In time, the Sun assures with rays of Light
Let us bask in becoming, in obedience we rest.

In the stillness of opening —
God beckons us.

 

We’ve been talking a lot about newness and how beautiful it is to reach for it, in our steps of faith.

One thing I’ve been struck with, is how wonderful God is in the whole process of renewal.  His attitude is completely different from the tact the world takes.

The world’s focus on change is transformation that can be seen and measured. 

How far have I come and am I continuing to improve and achieve? That is the voice of tyranny to results oriented thinking.

God’s way brings beauty from within. But, oh, how unnatural it feels to me, in my current earthbound state.

Each time I get excited about the new endeavors God has given me, I fall prey to wanting things to be new right now.

I’ve been reminded this week to enjoy the process of becoming.

God designed it that I be renewed a little each day.  And it’s completely becoming to Him in every way.

Now, if only I can give myself the same break.  Then, I know I will blossom in His love!

“We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” Emily Dickinson

“In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”  Isaiah 30:15

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21 Comments

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21 Comments

  • Reply Tweets that mention The Bloom of Becoming | Faith Barista -- Topsy.com October 6, 2009 at 10:50 am

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bonnie Gray. Bonnie Gray said: New Post: The Bloom of Becoming http://bit.ly/R5LK7 The world wants change ASAP. God says, "Just Bloom". […]

  • Reply Helen October 6, 2009 at 10:51 am

    That flower metaphor is very moving.

  • Reply Bridget Chumbley October 6, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Bonnie, this is a great post! I love that verse in Isaiah…

    It’s sure hard to give ourselves that ‘break’.

    Thank you for sharing!!

  • Reply Kevin M. October 6, 2009 at 10:54 am

    “God designed it that I be renewed a little each day. And it’s completely becoming to Him in every way.” AMEN!!

    Spiritual transformation takes time and it is not always “measurable.” Each day we are called to continue to “put off the old” and to “put on the new.”

  • Reply HisFireFly October 6, 2009 at 11:01 am

    Breathtaking! Amen to your words. I would rather allow Him to change me in His time than try to change myself or let the world change me.

    I’m happy to be a new follower of your blog.

  • Reply Bianca October 6, 2009 at 11:09 am

    Simply lovely, Bonnie!

  • Reply Russell Holloway October 6, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Your post emphasizes the journey over the destination. Love it.

    The song I attach to your post: Watching The Wheels:
    http://bit.ly/XjXJL

    Blessings

  • Reply Doug Spurling October 6, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    “I’ve been reminded this week to enjoy the process of becoming.”

    We are human beings not human doings. Like I enjoy being here reading your words refreshing as spring though surrounded by the chill of fall.

    Beautiful Faith/Bonnie.

  • Reply Heather Sunseri October 6, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    I love that verse from Isaiah. Rest and quietness, repentance and trust. Such wonderful words to ponder.

  • Reply Elizabeth Mahlou October 6, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    I think there is much to be said, also, for just liking ourselves the way we are because God loves us as we are; who are we to do differently? I think also that enjoying the past, those days when God renewed us, as well as relishing the present and looking forward to the future (i.e. the becoming, the constant renewal), is a key ingredient in contentment and happiness in our lives, both earthly and spiritual.

  • Reply Billy Coffey October 6, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    So much to think about here, Bonnie. I listen too often to the voice of tyranny and have to put my fingers in my hears and yell “La-la-la-la.” I’m going to fight that with that scripture from Isaiah and that quote from Dickinson.

    Beautifully done.

  • Reply Holley Gerth October 6, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Oh, Bonnie, girl–we need to have coffee sometime. It seems God whispers so many of the same truths to our hearts. I love hearing your perspective and your beautiful words speak to my heart. Thank you for the gift of this post!

  • Reply Peter P October 6, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Bonnie… I’m astounded at the gift that God has given you!

    Thank you for sharing it with us all!

  • Reply Lessons in Obedience October 7, 2009 at 12:02 am

    […] Bonnie wrote a beautiful poem […]

  • Reply Bonnie Gray October 7, 2009 at 9:52 am

    @Helen: Thanks for your visit, Helen. Yes, when I saw this rose, I was very moved. Hubby, kids & I were out walking among the leaves of fall, when I spotted it. It touched me to know there is beauty in becoming.
    @Bridget: Coming that a pause is definitely counter-intuitive, but in our spirits, we know we hunger for it.
    @Kevin: “Spiritual transformation takes time.” I love the Colossians 3:12-17 passage you quoted. Thank you!
    @HisFireFly: So happy you are here at Faith Barista, leaving your faith firelight! 🙂
    @Bianca: Thanks, Bianca!
    @Russell: Love that song! It’s perfect for this post. Brings a smile.
    @Doug: “We are human beings, not human doings.” Doug, you do it again! An arrow, straight to the heart!
    @Heather: It’s one of my life verses, for sure, Heather. 🙂
    @Elizabeth: Wonderful to have you here, Elizabeth! I think you add a very important and wonderful addition to the post: “i I think there is much to be said, also for just liking ourselves the way we are beacause God loves us as we are.” Exactly. Well said! This is a truth to be underscored in traveling the journey of “becoming”.
    @Billy: Amen, Billy! Let’s all yell, “La-la-la-la.” ‘Cuz the world sure loves to yell “You’re not enough! Don’t stop!” The 2nd part of Isaiah 30:15 and v16 is also convicting.
    @Holley: Oh, yeah! What I wouldn’t give for a cup of coffee together. I am definitely feeling a sisterly faith connection across the miles.
    @Peter: Thank you, Peter! What an encourager you are!

  • Reply The Beauty of Whitespace | Faith Barista October 8, 2009 at 12:11 am

    […] reading the comments from the last post, The Bloom of Becoming, I was struck with putting out a Faith Barista […]

  • Reply Maureen October 8, 2009 at 8:25 am

    I love that idea, “blossom in his love.” I soooo need that!

  • Reply Real Men Read Poetry October 9, 2009 at 5:01 am

    […] RAP Participants Monica’s Attracting His Gaze Laura’s Fast Bonnie’s The Bloom of Becoming Maureen’s The Real Me Glynn’s The Real Poet A Simple Country Girl’s Little Things Kelly’s […]

  • Reply fred October 9, 2009 at 8:03 am

    “How far have I come and am I continuing to improve and achieve? That is the voice of tyranny to results oriented thinking”

    Really good point.

  • Reply A Winter Pilgrimage of Thanks | Faith Barista November 23, 2009 at 5:47 am

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  • Reply The Best Of Faith Barista 2009: The Top 10 | Faith Barista December 31, 2009 at 12:34 am

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