There’s an old oak tree that stands on a hill behind our family farm, a silent observer of generations of our family’s story. As a child, I used to sit beneath its branches and read, imagining a world beyond our small town. Now, as an adult, I still go there, but for a different reason. I go to listen and reflect. The old oak has become a touchstone for personal reflections, a place where I can find clarity and perspective.
That old tree has taught me more than any book ever could. It has taught me the power of deep roots. Just like a tree needs to be grounded to withstand a storm, we too need a strong foundation of faith and family to face life’s challenges. It has taught me that growth isn’t always visible. A tree can go a whole year without seeming to get any taller, but its roots are constantly expanding, quietly building strength. Similarly, our personal growth often happens in the quiet, unseen moments of our lives.
And finally, the tree has taught me the beauty of shedding. In the fall, it lets go of its leaves, a necessary process to prepare for a new season. This reminds me that sometimes, we need to let go of old anxieties or habits to make room for new growth and opportunities.
These are the kinds of quiet lessons that fill my notebooks and become the stories you read. This magazine is an extension of that old tree—a place to share these reflections, find a deeper connection, and be reminded that we are all a part of a much larger, more beautiful story.
