A Sunset Boat Ride, Faith, and a Dragonfly Surprise

Some evenings you just know you’re in for something special. This sunset boat ride? Definitely one of those nights. And let me tell you—it wasn’t just the destination that mattered, it was everything in between. The sky, the water, the stillness, and yep… the dragonfly who thought it was ready for its modeling debut.

When God Paints the Sky

The sky didn’t just change that night—it performed. Colors shifted from warm golds to fiery oranges to that soft lavender that makes you whisper “wow” under your breath. The cypress trees stood tall like guardians of the river, their Spanish moss catching the last light. Every ripple across the water looked like liquid fire.

You know those moments where you feel the Holy Spirit so strongly you just stop talking? That was me. (And trust me, it takes a lot to shut me up.) Out there on the water, with the world finally slowing down, I couldn’t help but feel wrapped up in His presence.

The Photographer vs. The Rocking Boat

Now, here’s the part they don’t tell you: taking photos on a moving boat is basically a cardio workout. The boat rocks, the light changes by the second, and I’m over here whispering to myself, “Hold still, Debbie, and for the love of all things steady, keep that horizon level.”

But here’s the thing about photography—it’s all about patience and persistence. The sunset doesn’t wait, and neither does the boat. You’ve got to anticipate, breathe, and be ready to snap the moment when God hands it to you. And on this night? He handed me more than I asked for.

Enter: The Halloween Pennant

While we waited for the grand finale of the sunset show, we anchored the boat and fired up the grill for some good old-fashioned burgers. There’s something about the smell of dinner sizzling on the water that just feels like summer.

And then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught movement. A dragonfly with the boldest orange wings landed on a marsh branch right beside our boat. It didn’t flit away or make me chase it—it sat there, calm and steady, almost like it knew I had my camera ready.

No flitting away, no “catch me if you can.” Nope—this one stuck around like it knew I had my camera ready.

I later learned it was called a Halloween Pennant. Honestly, that name couldn’t have been more perfect. It perched there long enough for me to get the shot, like it had been waiting all evening for its close-up. And yes, I may have thanked it out loud. (Don’t judge—we all talk to bugs sometimes, right?)

For me, that moment was a God-wink. A little nudge from above reminding me that His surprises don’t always come in the grand gestures. Sometimes they come in the wings of a dragonfly, glowing orange in the last light of day.

Final Thoughts

That night wasn’t just about chasing a sunset—it was about slowing down long enough to notice. The glow of the horizon, the sway of the moss, the dragonfly who decided to pose—it all came together as one big reminder: God’s beauty is everywhere, if we’re willing to look.

So next time you’re tempted to rush past the ordinary, pause. Take a breath. Look again. You never know when the sky will turn to fire or when a little winged friend will show up and steal the spotlight.

Want to see more of my Florida river and sunset photography? You can explore my gallery here: Visit my Gallery