Aaron Proffitt

Ashlee, Drew, and I just returned yesterday evening from a family reunion in Petersburg, Indiana, where my mom grew up. It had been 17 years since my last visit to that small country town but I have so many memories there while growing up, when we used to pile in a car and mom and dad would haul Amy and I across the country from California.

Not a whole lot has changed in the last couple of decades (or more). The house my mom grew up in is nothing more than a mound of dirt and grass. There are now two traffic lights instead of one. And the Dairy queen went out of business a couple years back. My mom’s twin brother still lives in the same house he did 20 years ago when we were frequenting Indiana more. He and his wife Pam are two of the most hospitable people I know. They opened up their not-so-huge house to accommodate about 20 relatives (and their children…let me just say it was a circus). In their back yard is a corn field that stretches for miles. They live two miles from “pride’s creek” which I grew up swimming in and is one of the main attractions of the area. We had to drive thirty minutes to Jasper to see a movie. There is one grocery store in the area called JC’s. The gas station that my Grandpa worked for a while and where my mom lived in for a while growing up with her siblings and parents is still there…dilapidated and forgotten. The car wash that my mom used to hang out with her friends at is still there, after 40-something (sorry mom) years.

Like I said, not much has changed. The people haven’t changed much either. And that is a good thing. They are some of the most warm-hearted, tender, and loving people I have ever met. Their lives are simple and they like it that way. There is a contentment that stretches far beyond a big city, a fancy car, lavish shopping malls, and name brands. The people in Petersburg are happy with simplicity. And I like it.

Ashlee and I had an incredible time the last few days. In fact, the time was too short. I could have stayed there for another couple of weeks. The people we were able to hang out with for a few short hours were some of the best we have ever met. It kind of gives me a different perspective on my life that is so hustle and bustle oriented. Those three days made me sit back, take a deep breath, and once again see life through a simple lens. And now I’m that much more ready to do God’s work. That is my simple calling.

Here are some pics from the last three days.