Stomping Grounds...

Stomping Grounds

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

Small town U.S.A. has a heartbeat all its own. When one is in their own neck of the woods, so to speak, memories run wild and free. Sights and smells bring us back…way back.

Smack dab in the middle of dad and mom’s living room we were, my husband and I. He too grew up in the neighborhood, and in the dark of night, amidst the quiet voices swapping memories, we heard it. Through walls, closed doors, and windows that had been battened down, we heard the siren.

At first, it was faint. Soon, mom’s head turned just enough for me to see the puzzled look upon her face. She leaned forward, and with a slight tip of our heads, we spoke in unison. “A siren!” Moving closer to the door brought clarity, and as we opened it, the cool air rushed in. As stocking feet met front porch cement, it became clear there was more than one siren piercing through the dark of night, running chills down spines. You see, in small town U.S.A., everyone knows everyone. What happens to one happens to all.

Puzzled, we kept watch as sounds neared and soon, flashing lights reflected bright through the main thoroughfare. From our vantage point, a straight shot to the highway meant the fire truck could be clearly seen as it drove on by. Then…another…and another…followed by several cars.

Her head snapped up, and with relief etched across her face she stated, “I know what that is!” I paused as she completed her thought. “The boy’s won tonight! They are going to state!”

I’d long forgotten about our small town tradition. The fire trucks and police vehicles escort the bus, the students, and the families into town upon their return from victories won. With joyous outburst, we shut the door and conversation ensued once again into the dark of night within the warm confines of the living room.

As we made our five-hour journey home the next day, we managed to pass through the likes of many a small town dotting the countryside. Springfield, Morton, Redwood Falls, Olivia, Wilmar, Belgrade, Elrosa, Sauk Center, Long Prairie, Browerville, Eagle Bend, Bertha, Hewitt, Wadena, Sebeka, Menahga, Park Rapids, Zerkel, Bagley, Clearbrook and moving right on over to Leonard, Gonvick, Gully, and Trail to name a few. Each little community has support systems embedded helping create memories and traditions within. I love that about small town U.S.A.

Small towns carry not only people but hearts. Hearts are bearing fruit in love for one another. As all good comes from Him and He is the giver of life, we proclaim anew Col. 1:6. “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.”  Amen.