I’m going to start by telling you that you’re probably not going to find this interesting. You might as well close this tab now because the story of how one moment from my childhood changed everything for me is just too mundane. But, hey, if you’re stubborn (like me) you’ll probably read on just to prove me wrong. So here it goes, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Hot Summer Day That Started It All

It was a sweltering summer day back in 1968, the kind of day where you could fry an egg on the sidewalk—or so they’d say on television. Growing up in our little town in Iowa, my friends and I spent most of our summer days climbing trees, fishing in the creek, and causing typical childhood mischief. But this particular day, something extraordinary happened, and I don’t use that word lightly.

Finding Solace in Simplicity

My cousin Billy and I were in the backwoods, as we often were, escaping the watchful eyes of our parents and dreaming up all sorts of adventures. As the sun began to sink, casting long shadows across the forest, we came upon the largest oak tree I had ever seen. Billy, always the adventurous one, dared me to climb it. Now, I’ve never backed down from a dare—call it pioneer spirit, call it sheer pig-headedness.

I climbed that tree higher than I ever thought I could go. As I perched myself on a sturdy branch several feet up, I stopped for a moment. The world seemed to stand still, and in that moment, I realized just how beautiful and simple life could be. Looking out over the vast expanse of forest and farmland, everything seemed so clear, so peaceful. It was as though God Himself had placed me there to witness His creation.

An Epiphany Among the Oaks

As I sat there, with my fingers gripping the rough bark and my legs swinging freely, a wave of clarity washed over me. I knew that I wanted a life grounded in simplicity and rooted in faith—faith in God, faith in family, and faith in country. I had seen the light, or at least the sun setting so spectacularly that it felt like divine intervention.

Looking back, it’s so easy to see how a single moment can influence a lifetime. But at the time, I didn’t quite grasp the full extent of the change I was undergoing. All I knew was that something profound had touched my soul.

Living That Moment Every Day

You might think that such a realization would lead to a life of adventure and grandeur. And perhaps for some, it does. For me, it led to a deep appreciation for all things simple and good. I met my husband in church, and we built a life based on faith, hard work, and love. We raised our children with the same values, teaching them to appreciate the small, beautiful moments and to see God’s hand in all things.

My perspective on life shifted from seeking the extraordinary to finding the sacred in the everyday. Whether it’s the scent of fresh-baked apple pie wafting through the house, the sound of children’s laughter echoing through the backyard, or the sight of an American flag waving proudly in the wind—it all takes me back to that oak tree and that summer day.

The Importance of Roots

It’s funny how, as we get older, the memories of our youth become more meaningful. That hot summer day was just one moment, one fleeting moment, yet it defined so much of who I am today. It’s a reminder that we must root ourselves firmly in love, faith, and tradition if we are to weather the storms of life.

We live in a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and complex, but there’s something to be said for slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, unassuming moments that change us the most. So maybe it wasn’t such a mundane story after all. Maybe you’ll take a leaf out of my book—literally—and find your own extraordinary moment in the simplicity of life.

Now, aren’t you glad you didn’t close that tab? Go out there and find your oak tree, and always remember, God is guiding you, even in the simplest of things. Amen.

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