• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood
    • Purpose
  • Christian Resources
    • Christian Blogging Tips

Salt + Sparrow

A picture of perfection
Spiritual Growth

A Picture of Perfection

October 20, 2021

Words hold immeasurable depth of meaning for certain individuals. I am one of those folks that pours over a phrase much longer than necessary to be certain it is appropriate. Verbally, I am a nightmare. A never-ending force of diarrhea of the mouth, digging holes deeper by the day, trying to backtrack, think ahead, and forecast my next statement, all of which leads to frustration, confusion, and at times, anger. 

Writing, though. Carefully contemplating a message I long to relay. The perfectly chosen words in which to send that message. Reading, re-reading, editing the content to a carefully constructed piece of art I am proud to share with the world. Not that some of my writing has not gotten me in hot water (trust me, it has!). But far less than my random, spontaneous, outburst of verbal genius (which I later realize was anything but…).  

As much as I love words, there are times in life when a picture simply outweighs the magnitude of expression I feel so deep within my soul. This picture illustrates one of those times.

My boys and I, along with my fiancé, were headed home after an evening bike ride on the Galloway Trail on the outskirts of Springfield, Missouri. We were all tired, hot, sweaty, thirsty, hungry, and wishing we could magically transport ourselves from the bike trail to our house, bypassing the 20-minute less-than-scenic commute though town.

What happened, instead, in the midst of the frequent: “Mom, I have to pee”, “Mom, I’m thirsty!”, “Mom……” complaints, requests and near bladder explosions, was a sight straight in front of my eyes that positively took my breath away. 

a picture is worth a thousand words

The sun, her glorious descent from day to dusk already begun, was shining breathtaking rays of light through the puffy cotton ball clouds overhead. There was just a hint of window in which I could see the light from the daily burning life force we often take for granted. The white farm fence casting a reflection of the light from the rays of the sun was almost mystical. Every person I have ever known, loved, and lost in this life seemed to seek me in that small space, that barely existent window, where the sun appeared cascaded by the clouds surrounding her. 

This was such a glorious sight. I could not help but take a snapshot. I asked my fiancé if he could take the longer way home so I could get a better view from outside the truck. Of course, my sons, moaned and groaned from the backseat, as the setting sun is not as miraculous a sight and experience to them at ages 11 and 9, as it is to me at 41. 

As I stood on a concrete block from the construction site overlooking the historic Rutledge Wilson Farm Park in Springfield, MO, armed with my iPhone, for the perfect shot of his perfect moment, I happened to look over my shoulder. One kid was peeing right there on the side of the road (conveniently hidden by the truck door), the other was making tick-tock sounds from the open backseat of the truck, in diligent efforts to hurry me up.  

My serene, peaceful moment of being touched by the sun (Carly Simon) was lost in translation with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Getting the kids home, fed, bathed and to bed at a respectable time before their first day of school. Getting myself prepared for my first day of school. Picking up the house, letting the dogs out, folding the laundry. The endless monotony of house chores that never ends and greets me less warmly than my elderly dog. Lucy, who is happy to see me at the end of each long day. 

Yet, that picture of the sun setting. Another day drawn to a close. My trusty iPhone could not adequately capture the beauty my eyes beheld. The rays peeking out to bid their last farewell of a day I will never experience again. The beauty and wonder of this world that my Heavenly Father created centuries ago and still manages to shock and awe her inhabitants to this day. 

A gentle reminder that while each day ends, a new day is just around the bend. 

0 Comments
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

You May Also Like

September 22, 2021

Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

January 31, 2023

John 20:11-18: Do you Really Know What You’re Searching For?

October 23, 2021

Becoming New in Christ

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.

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Follow on Instagram

Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Nashville

Shop Our Favorites

Bible Study Tools

She Who Is - Christian Apparel

Christian Growth Hub

Truly Simply Healthy

Daily Grace Co.

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • black woman in prayer

    Jesus, I Trust In You

    March 28, 2023
  • Christian Blogger

    Christian Blogging 101: How to Get Started

    March 23, 2023
  • Jesus Revolution movie review

    Jesus Revolution Movie Review

    March 21, 2023
  1. Natasha on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Hey Sandy! So glad you liked the post! Honestly - the biggest thing with publishing new posts is to be…

  2. Sandy Brannan on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Very helpful! Thanks for writing this. What are your thoughts on how often a writer should post a new blog…

  3. Manndi on True Love Comes from GodMarch 10, 2023

    Thank you for the kind words, Sandy! So happy to see you (and your beautiful words) in this space!

  4. Helen on Get to Know the Author of the BibleMarch 7, 2023

    Great story comparison. We need our Bible every day to encourage us how to build our lives to please the…

  5. Sandy on True Love Comes from GodFebruary 15, 2023

    Breathtaking! Oh how He loves you and me! What a lovely way to share the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 16:16

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

About

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for o Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for one needed it tonight ❤️

#christianmom #christianmomlife #christianmotherhood #faithfulmom #christianity
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.