Beauties Past and Present | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Beauties Past and Present | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jenny Fulton
07/19/17
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

My baby just woke up. She is screaming and has a poopy diaper that needs to be changed.

My 4-year-old is tirelessly repeating, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, I want milk and fruit snacks in a bowl and …”

Laundry and dishes have piled up from days which have left me little time to stay on top of the household chores, especially since my normally-helpful husband has been sick in bed for most of the last week.

In moments like these, it feels like my life is too much, too dry, too mundane, and my mind returns to beauties I once had the privilege of immersing my soul in…

…Golden fields stretch on and on, as far as the eye can see, until they embrace an endless, cloud-filled sky. Evening arrives and I watch, completely mesmerized, as the white and blue canvas above and before me takes on tints of pink, purple, yellow, and orange. My thoughts stretch out to match the openness of the land and sky. I ponder on the indescribable beauty of God which is revealed in a brightly painted sunset. I feel His embrace in a horizon that seems as though I can reach out and touch it.

…A small island off the coast of Thailand is surrounded by water as clean as the air. A dive beneath the water’s surface thrusts me into a magical kingdom where gravity holds no meaning. It is a world filled with a treasure trove of brightly colored coral and a multitude of tropical fish of all shapes and size. I behold these wonders and marvel at God’s vast creativity.

...Originating from some unseen source far above me, a sparkling waterfall plunges fearlessly down to a glassy pool that lays inches from the grass beneath my feet. It was tough going to get to this hidden gem, but definitely worth the trouble. All is peaceful and quiet and beautiful. I consider this truth: sometimes our journey with God is rough, but ultimately leads us to hidden places of infinite peace.

…A vibrant green field of wildflowers nestles comfortably next to an icy glacial terrain. The two seem so different and yet there they are, residing at the same place, the icy moisture giving life to the grassy field which grows tall and strong against the formidable cold. Maybe the “too much” elements of life are meant to do that as well—to nourish us in unexpected ways and grow within us a strong root that can stand firmly against opposition…

I change my baby’s diaper and then gaze into her clear blue eyes. She smiles and lets forth the most precious little giggle. My heart melts and my arms reach out to pick her up and pull her close. Was there ever anything quite so beautiful?

I put together my 4-year-old’s breakfast and deliver it to its standard location.

“Thank you, Mommy!” she exclaims while bouncing up and down with ceaseless energy. In a spontaneous gesture of affection, she throws her arms around my legs, looks up at me with her dark blue eyes, and says, “I love you!” She bounces off again, picks up a “mommy lion” and a “baby lion” and proceeds to work out some animated dialogue between the two. She certainly is a creative little child.

My husband groggily makes his way from the bedroom, crosses the living room, and wraps me in a sturdy embrace. I lean my weary head on his shoulder and feel an instant sense of peace. Suddenly, all is right and good.

I have traveled this world and seen beautiful wonders that most people can only dream of witnessing first hand. However, when all is said and done, are God’s wonders in nature any more beautiful than the wonders I get to experience every day in my own home? Still, maybe one day, I can accompany these most beautiful people to some of the other beauties in God’s creation. How great would it be to experience the wonders of my family and the wonders of nature, all at the same time? Until that day, I am content.

---
*Locations of the above-mentioned beauties:
1) Northwest Kansas
2) Koh Phi Phi Island
3) The Big Island in Hawaii
4) A hiking trail outside of Seward, Alaska

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.