• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Salt + Sparrow

  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood

Salt + Sparrow

Mother Nature Soothes My Soul
Spiritual Growth

Mother Nature Soothes My Soul

November 22, 2021

Last weekend’s afternoon mountain biking ride with my fiancé was less than…smooth.

I am not sure if it was the recent rains that redistributed the already rocky path, the fact that my autumn allergies were completely out of control, the fact that I had not been on a bike in five days (I have a short attention span and my skillz dramatically vanished over the past five days), or just an off day, but it was definitely more of a rough ride than usual. 

The highlight of our afternoon ride was coming face-to-face with a sweet female deer. There is nothing like mother nature to sooth a weary soul, replenish a broken spirit, and reinvigorate a lethargic energy. 

Seeing this deer transported me back to a magical experience from my youth.

My parents and I were on a camping trip somewhere deep (or high) in the Rocky Mountains. After driving all day, we finally settled on a very remote campground, chose the perfect site, and my parents started the usual dance of cranking our trusty Palomino pop-up camper, while at the same time trying to level our trusty red Silverado, in order for the tiny camper fridge to work.

It was always a long and arduous process, and while my parents’ camaraderie was often entertaining, on this particular evening, I did not care to get caught in their crossfire, so I took off on my own to explore. 

After a few minutes of walking, I stumbled upon a clear path leading to…who knows?

But it was somewhere I felt inclined to see.

At the end of the path, I arrived at the most beautiful, clear water lake I had ever seen in my young adolescent life. As I stood on the shore, feeling a bit like Christopher Columbus when he discovered The New World, and complimenting myself on discovering this untapped treasure, a female deer trotted down from the mountainside to the opposite side of the lake from where I stood.

She proceeded to take a long, refreshing drink and as I stood, mesmerized, watching her, I must have made a sound, because she started and looked directly to the spot where I was planted across the lake. 

That deer looked straight into my eyes. She held me in a trance of the longest staring contest I have ever experienced.

mother nature soothes my soul

I felt almost otherworldly, as I had never before encountered such an intimate moment with a wild creature.

Once she realized I was not a threat, she went back to her evening drink of fresh mountain water. Once finished, she looked at me once again and we locked eyes. Then, as quickly as she arrived, she was gone, into the woods and safely back to her deer friends, to begin their evening adventures. 

I walked slowly back to the trail which led to the road, where I found my parents still setting up our campsite. I excitedly told them about the magical lake I had discovered as well as the deer friend I had made.

I was a bit of a storyteller in my youth, so my parents never really knew if what I said was truth, or fabricated imagination. 

That deer was every bit as real as I was. She cast a spell upon my younger self; which I believe, coupled with many other amazing experiences, has knitted together my intense love and appreciation for nature. 

When I saw this particular deer on our recent mountain biking adventure, I recalled the one I saw as a child. While I am sure there is no relation, staring into the eyes of a wild animal is a feeling of empowerment and awe like no other.

Two creatures, very different, yet both molded by the same heavenly hands. Both children of the same heavenly Creator, sharing the forest, on a kismet-inspired Sunday afternoon. My ride may have been off, but the magic of this moment was nothing short of bullseye perfection.

“7 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.“

Job 12:7-10
1 Comment
Share
Manndi Wilkins

Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer in her spare time. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two rambunctious, creative, endearing sons, William, age 11 and Waylan, nearly 9. Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings. She also loves to write about everything from being a single mom and dating after divorce to finding love later in life, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one and starting over. Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement and always a touch of humor. “Live a life others wish to read about.”

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

The Comments

  • Anderson Judith A
    November 22, 2021

    Loved this…. I too know the magic of a moment like you had…And I thank the Lord for allowing me to experience such an amazing moment ❤️🤗😘🙏

    Reply

You May Also Like

December 6, 2021

The Masks We Wear

October 20, 2021

A Picture of Perfection

November 3, 2021

Misplaced Fears

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

On Instagram

It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV

#Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church 
#prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV #Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church #prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away."

@sandybrannanauthor 💛
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away." @sandybrannanauthor 💛
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin.

There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. 

Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin. There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛
@realbrittanydawn
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛 @realbrittanydawn
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@saltnsparrow
Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Ukraine

Shop My Favorites

Amazon

She Who Is

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • Woman in a field, raising her left hand in prayer

    Daily Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times

    August 9, 2022
  • Psalms for Comfort and Strength

    Psalms for Comfort and Strength

    August 4, 2022
  • martial arts

    Deeper Than the Surface: A Beautiful Lesson of Love from Martial Arts

    August 2, 2022
  1. Jenny Penner on Characteristics of True Friendship: Choosing Loving Truth Over Vain AgreementJuly 21, 2022

    I love you so ver much my precious little sister. I’m so thankful for your testimony. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  2. Susan on Faith and Road Trips: How They Both Prepare Us for Our Final DestinationJuly 14, 2022

    Oh Sandy - This is so true - what a great piece! What a blessing to "leave our worries behind"…

  3. Sherlin Mini Emmanuel on Bible Verses for Comfort in Hard TimesJuly 7, 2022

    So true.The word of God gives hope, comfort, and encouragement.

  4. Elaine Onorio on The Blurring Seasons of LifeJuly 1, 2022

    Mama always says Your children will teach you a lot more than you ever taught them

  5. Cara Blondo on Fresh, Fat, and Flourishing: Aging in the Grace of GodJune 30, 2022

    I remember that acronym, too! I love it! I am so blessed that this encouraged and blessed you, and I…

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"

About

It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV

#Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church 
#prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV #Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church #prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away."

@sandybrannanauthor 💛
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away." @sandybrannanauthor 💛
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin.

There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. 

Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin. There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛
@realbrittanydawn
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛 @realbrittanydawn
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@saltnsparrow
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2022 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.