When I was young, my family went to church, but I hated church. Once I was old enough to start going to the high school ministry, I started ditching church as soon as I was out of sight of my parents. I would usually go on walks and explore the area.

There was an overgrown area with heavy brush behind the church, and one time, my wanderings took me in there.

I ended up finding my way into a small dell and a clearing. In there was an unusual plant covered with translucent silver discs.

I had never seen a plant like that before.

Coming upon that plant hidden away like that is one of the few times I've ever had an experience that felt mystical.

(The plant is called lunaria annual, and it's related to broccoli.)