Beacon of Light – The lit Red Oak tree along I-35 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, a red oak tree stands along I-35 between mile markers 51 and 52. It’s well known for miles around. It provides cheer to all those who pass it.
I make a point to drive past it each winter to enjoy its light. I am one of the estimated millions of people who have gone past this tree over the last 10+ years.
Mourners headed to Nebraska for a funeral.
Travelers crawling down I-35 in a snow storm.
A night shift worker headed home after long hours on the job.
A college student headed home for the holiday break.
The winters in Minnesota are cold and dark. This tree provides light, joy, and hope to those north or southbound on the interstate.
It is literally a bright spot in the frigid darkness.
The tree is decorated with approximately 45,000 lights by a man named Jerry. The lights carefully wrapped around the trunk and limbs, showing its stark silhouette against the surrounding darkness.
I can’t imagine Jerry’s electric bill.
We don’t have to cover a tree in lights to brighten the world. We can do so with a smile at the grocery store, a kind word to a coworker, or a little extra help at home. These actions cost us nothing and illuminate the world in different ways. We can spread our light in simple ways all year round.
Jerry’s light shines in the winter darkness. So may your light be a steady illumination throughout the year.
Happy holidays and a merry 2022.
References
Kare11. (2018). Land of 10,000 Stories: Stunning tree of lights is gift to I-35 holiday travelers. [Video]. Kare 11. https://youtu.be/gmasqDY76-8
Red Oak Productions. (2013). Jerry’s Tree (lighted tree on I-35 seen by over 1 million people). [Video] Red Oak Productions. https://youtu.be/XG_iODz6e7E
© Catherine Haslag
© Catherine Haslag