On a hike in the Bozen Kill Preserve, we came across a Rhododendron plant. I was surprised because these shrubs are cultivated and not usually found in the woods. Their cousins, the laurels, are found in wooded places. These flowers are stunning - bundles of white cups trimmed in pink. Their scent is absolutely heady and I have been transported on many June hikes to Nirvana by just standing and taking in the delicious smell!

Well, here is new learning for me - it seems that rhododendrons and laurel are "Often mistaken for one another, mountain laurel and rhododendron are flowering, evergreen shrubs that share more similarities than differences. These plants are often found growing side-by-side in wooded, mountainous areas throughout the eastern United States." (https://homeguides.sfgate.com/difference-between-mountain-laurel-rhododendrons-67203.html) So there goes my theory of cultivated and wild!  

But the wonder of this plant was its green leaves in the midst of a bleak November day. And its amazing buds! Yes, in the midst of Autumn becoming Winter there were these amazing buds all over the plant. Now there is hope! There is risk! If I were this plant I might be thinking - "No use setting buds this early the frost or cold or ice might kill them all off. Then what will I have for Spring and Summer?" But nature is all in. The promise is built into the present. What a wonderful gift of wisdom. I am called to live in that hope and promise. This is what the Advent adventure is all about!

What lessons does nature teach you?

Photo courtesy of Tracy Watson




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