Climbing through rocky, muddy switchbacks on the tortuous road between Albert Pike and Bard Springs last Sunday morning, young son and I suddenly came into a clearing and caught a glimpse of gleaming, sun-bathed, soaring Ozark rock cliffs.

I mashed on the brakes and the Toyota Tacoma quickly scudded to a halt. Not a word passed between us as we soaked in the view and savored the moment.

Life is, after all, nothing more than a series of moments, and this one was precious as gold.

If you’ve ever spent time alone with a 12-year-old, you’ve no doubt experienced...