Observe the expression of abandonment about the rose calyx as time goes on, and it begins to grow towards the end for which it has had to count all things as loss. The look of dumb emptiness has gone. It is flung back joyously now, for simultaneously with the new dying - a richer life has begun to work at its heart - so much death, so much life.
- Lilias Trotter in Elizabeth Elliot's A Path through Suffering
The picture of the calyx (or sepals of a rose, the tiny leaves just at the base of the petals) flung back joyously keeps sticking in my mind. I picture my arms flung back my whole body being given over to the Lord. That picture of total abandonment and freedom of letting go of all things, counting them as loss. Knowing that in the death of the petals - new life is emerging deep within.
Father, I pray for this kind of faith that can be flung back in joy to await whatever you may bring - knowing you will take care of me.
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