Rock in the creek

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.