Last week one of my aunts visited Neill and me for a day on her way to a wedding.  She asked to go on a Forest Therapy Walk, and I was delighted to share the beauty of the Ruby & Elizabeth Cohen Woodlands right here in Colchester with her. 

While on our walk, we chatted about finding comfort in the sounds of the forest.  She especially found the insects we were hearing comforting.  My aunt and uncle moved to Idaho around a decade ago by now.  Having lived all over the country (we are nomads by nature on my mom’s side of the family!) the quiet of Idaho has been really something to behold for them.  Apparently you just don’t hear insects out there like we do here on the east coast.

As I write this Thursday Thought, the windows are open at the parsonage and we can hear a chorus of crickets. 
A call and response from God’s creation. 
A gentle symphony of sound as the night wears on. 

I must admit that this is not a sound I had paid much attention to of late. 
It wasn’t until my aunt found comfort in Colchester’s insect sounds that I realized it’s a sound that I have been taking for granted. 
I had been hearing this nightly song right outside the house without really hearing.
It is a peaceful, cheery sound—these crickets calling out in the night. 
It is a sound worth paying attention to.
A lovely reminder that we are not alone. 

Thank you, crickets. 
Thank you, God.

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Atanas Dzhingarov on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 9/4/25