Pine Cones & Philosophy

So my friend went to Utah over Christmas and brought me back a pine cone. I think pine cones are really cool, I've always been fascinated by them. What I didn't realize is that they open up to release seeds. (Here's what I found about that) If you get them wet, they'll close up again. (And smell really good, like pine trees) It's not like you can open or close them yourself, though. You can't force the pine cone to do something it's not ready to do. When I first realized it was opening up, I tried to close it, but it wouldn't move. If I tried too hard, I would break the pine cone.

The pine cone after it opened up.

The pine cone after I got it wet, starting to close up.

It closed up completely.

I'm in a pretty philosophical mood, and here's what I've concluded observing this pine cone:

We are pine cones.

We grow and blossom into these unique personalities with potential to be great. But we need to open up first to let our talents grow and help others. The circumstances around us can help us to open up (like how the weather helps determine when a pine cone opens) but ultimately, we determine when we want to open up. No one can force us to open up, no one can push us to do something we're not ready for. We open when we're ready, we share our personalities, our talents, our selves when we're ready to. And once we open up, no one can force us to close. Trials may come that cause us to close up, (like when a pine cone gets wet) but even we determine how and when we close up. 

While this pine cone is opening and closing, some things will always be constant, like the sun. The sun is always there to help this little guy dry out and open back up. There may be times where the sun seems to be gone, or covered by clouds, but it's always there.

The Savior is constant, just like the sun. He may seem absent in times of trouble, but in all reality, He is even closer to us during the hard times. He is always ready and willing to help us if we can just turn ourselves to Him. A pine cone isn't going to get the nutrients it needs from the sun unless it turns and faces the sun.

Which way do you face?

I can't force you to open up, but I can help you, if you're willing to listen. I want to give you some advice:

Look to Christ. He is our light, our beacon of hope. When you're ready to close yourself and feel a desire to give up, to stop going, remember who can help you open back up. The Savior will always be there for us, no matter what we've done, no matter where we've been, it does not matter.

He is simply always there.

Remember that no one can control what you do, but you're still accountable for what you choose. The Savior will always be on your side. He is your advocate and He will always love you.

Don't forget what's most important.

Love,
Emmalee