Sing to God; sing praise,
and tell of all God’s marvels!
~Psalm 105:2, The Inclusive Bible

Have you seen some of the mountain laurel in bloom around here?  Wow!

The mountain laurel was designated as the state flower of Connecticut in 1907.*  Many folks contend that mountain laurel are some of the most beautiful native shrubs around.  I happen to agree with this sentiment!  Perhaps what makes the mountain laurel particularly striking is that the flowers are pink and white, and these bright colors contrast with the greens of the forests and fields around them so beautifully. 

There are even mountain laurel sanctuaries across Connecticut.  The Nipmuck State Forest in Union has a hike where one can walk among the mountain laurel for a mile.  The Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown has a trail as well.  The Connecticut College Arboretum in New London features many mountain laurel as does Haystack Mountain in Norfolk where a road is lined with these beautiful native plants.**

I took the picture above at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA as I spent most of the day last Friday wandering in the woods with my best friend Emilia.  It’s a magical place, and Em and I have been meeting there for years as it’s conveniently half-way between her home in New Hampshire and mine in Connecticut.  The picture below is from right here in Colchester (on church property believe it or not!) as the mountain laurel is in bloom in that small strip of land between the parsonage and the old burial ground. 

Perhaps this week you might find a moment to observe some of God’s marvels. 
Just a thought! 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

* The State Flower, CT.Gov, https://portal.ct.gov/about/state-symbols/the-state-flower
** Diane Chisnall-Joy, “Today is Mountain Laurel Day,” Meigs Point Nature Center,  https://www.meigspointnaturecenter.org/today-is-mountain-laurel-day/

Photos by Rev. Lauren Ostrout.
Thursday Thoughts 6/12/24