The shape of a pine cone lends itself to give off seeds for new life. It’s easy to think that leaving those openings could let in harmful things or leave the shell unprotected. Yet it is from those openings that new things can begin.

As the year inches towards a close, where did you find yourself guarded and closed this year? When did you push away what you thought was harmful or scary, but might have been meant to bring you to a greater sense of who you are?

In the same token, when did you find yourself more open to the possibilities? When did you toss caution to the wind and aim for something greater?

Maybe these next few days you can  pray for the strength to be open like this pine cone and share your goodness with others who might be a little too cautious.