Well, some things in life do not go as planned.  We were excited to welcome Vern the Fern, the Australian Tree Fern, up to the sanctuary a few months ago.  Vern the Fern belongs to Kurt, but has spent considerable time in the church office with Nicole and me. 

Vern first came to stay with us here at Colchester Federated Church in October of 2019.  Kurt asked if Nicole and I (mostly Nicole, let’s be real here) could watch over Vern for the winter because Vern had experienced a rough few months, especially when a deer took a big bite out of Vern!  We were happy to help, with Nicole doing the actual work of watering and tending and both of us giving Vern daily pep talks and remarking on his beauty. 

Some folks believe that talking to plants really does help them grow. 
Scientifically it has something to do with the vibrations of one’s voice. 
But I personally believe that words of love and affirmation can help any living thing grow!

Anyway, it ends up that Vern did not like how cold the sanctuary is during the week.  Or maybe he just missed being at church but not actually near us during the week? Nicole cut off Vern’s dead (and quite sad looking) fronds on Tuesday while we both lamented that Vern needs to rest and heal once again in the church office.  If you stop by anytime soon—you will recognize a certain Australian Tree Fern.  

Here’s the thing, sometimes we make plans and think that we have something all figured out.  But life doesn’t always go as planned.  Life is unexpected!  The writer of Proverbs wrote, “People plan their path, but the Lord secures their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)  We can’t help but make plans, but we are reminded in Proverbs that any plans we make need to be held lightly.  Just a thought this week, inspired by Vern the Fern.

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Rev. Lauren L. Ostrout

Thursday Thoughts 12/1/22