• 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

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

June 10, 2022

Fresh, Fat, and Flourishing: Aging in the Grace of God

December 13, 2021

Reading the Bible Helps Me Put Life in Perspective

January 24, 2022

There Are No Shortcuts

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.