I happened upon a rock today
in a creek I was passing by
barely peeking above
the fast, rushing waters
stubbornly yet futilely holding out.
I surveyed the creek
and observed smooth stones
the water was rushing over
that were once jagged rocks
that had been polished with time
and thrust down the creek
despite their initial resistance.
🪨
Seeing that stubborn rock
desperately holding out
still fighting the flow of change
made me think of myself.
I am often that obstinate rock
foolishly attempting to resist
any necessary change
until the flow of life
slowly breaks me down
piece by jagged piece
until I am at last forced to admit
that those jagged edges
of my prior self
DO NOT serve me.
I must change
I can no longer stay
where I wished to remain
I must release
what holds me back
from growth as a person.
🪨
Although that stubborn rock
and my own headstrong self
may try to halt progress
For fear of change
For fear of the unknown
For fear of a path not yet taken
eventually we have to give in
piece by jagged piece
until we finally let go
and allow ourselves
to be smoothed and refined
releasing ourselves down
the waters flow of transformation
for our ultimate betterment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was January 2021 when inspiration struck and I started to write this poem, when going upon a walk by a creek. I observed the creek with various rocks and stones, water bubbling over them, with quiet interest. I felt God communicating to me metaphorically through a stubborn, jagged rock that stood out to me. I needed to accept the changes in my life and allow myself to be refined through them. I needed to cease being the stubborn rock. I was struggling though. It had been a time of great change, from my hubby getting a new job necessitating our move from Southern California to Colorado a few months prior, adjusting to a very different climate than we were accustomed to, an unplanned pregnancy, COVID, etc. Change has never been easy for me and is still very much a struggle. But this reminder helped me realize just because change is hard doesn’t mean it is bad. Change is an opportunity to grow as a person and much good can come through it too. Through change I have grown in the areas of flexibility, courage, resilience, and adaptability. I have learned there are wonderful people and places to appreciate everywhere, no matter where you end up. No matter how hard a situation or change seems, there are always reasons to have hope and glimmers of joy to be found. If we can accept change, we will be better for it. While I still miss CA, I feel like I’m finding my place and people in Colorado. Colorado is feeling more like home as the months and years pass. How has change helped you grow as a person? Please let me know in the comments below.
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