And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11
It’s the time of year that stores are starting to carry pinecones that smell like cinnamon. I like to put them into a basket and sit them on the mantle in the living room. The smell signals the holidays are about to begin. It isn’t a smell that fades away very quickly either! When we start thinking about spring and it’s time to take away the pinecones, I dump them into the bottom of the trash can. This way, each time we pull out the garbage, we get a pleasant smell. I’ll keep them there until they’re replaced with the ones from the next year.
God didn’t just put pinecones in the woods for us to use as decorations. I learned a thing or two about them while the boys were studying botany. Certain species of pinecones rely on fire to spread their seeds. The pinecones of jack pine trees are very durable and remain dormant until a fire occurs and melts its resin. The fire also clears the forest floor to make room for these seeds. The fire is what causes them to pop open and spread their seeds. How ‘bout that? Pretty interesting!
Looking at those pinecones we just bought made me wonder what God placed in me that was just staying dormant while waiting for a fire to bring that seed to life. In what areas do I need to wake up?
I remember these little sponges that were in capsules. The boys loved to get the dinosaur ones. When they were put into water, the capsules would dissolve and there would be a dinosaur! They didn’t know which one it would be until it opened up. It would drive them crazy knowing they were there, but not being able to see what was in them.
Is there a gift God gave you that lays dormant? Is it placed in you like the pinecone or one of those capsules? I would hate to see any of us go to heaven with presents still wrapped up. That would have to disappoint God too. I know I would feel awful if a present that I knew would be just perfect for someone came back to me unopened!
Today, let God start a fire in you to clear the way for new growth. God can melt that hard resin for your seeds to wake-up. Then, keep water on those gifts that God planted in you to allow them to grow! Don’t leave this earth, returning to God, with those unopened presents.
