I didn't notice the intricate web or its creator until I had driven a few blocks from my house. After spotting the spider grasping the home it wove on my side view mirror, I pushed down slightly harder on the accelerator with the intent of blowing away the insect and its sticky silk.
Upon stopping at a red light, I glanced over at the web expecting the spider to be long gone. But it wasn't. Some of the web had disappeared, but the eight-legged anthropod remained. I sighed and thought for sure that he'd be a goner once I reached the highway.
At the next red light I stole another peek. The spider remained. And he was there at the following light as well, somewhat frantic and urgent in his weaving, but he held on.
It was at that third light that my attitude toward the creepy bug changed. I began rooting for the spider and wishing that he would make it until I pulled into the grocery store parking lot, so that I could help him. (If you know me and know how I feel about bugs, you would consider that precious statement shocking) I wanted the spider to hold firm. I wanted him to survive, and I wanted to see him place his spindly legs on safer ground.
I wanted that for him because I had been there…to that place of barely hanging on. I am not there now, but the memories are not dull either. Circumstances of life have at times left me feeling as though there were just a few fragile strings standing between me and emotional and spiritual desolation.
Windblown.
Disorientated.
Battered.
Frightened.
Counted out.
Unwanted.
But not about to give up.
I have been there.
When I parked my car, I found a stick that enabled me to transfer the spider to the bark of a tree. And for probably the last time in my life, I related to a spider.
Because, I have been there too…at that place of second chances.
Resting in the nook of peace.
Embracing hope.
Dancing in the light of restoration.
Delighting in the rescue.
Hebrews 10:19-24 (NIV)
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
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Happy Mom8 says
I don’t think I would have drawn such life lessons from a spider on my car. I love that you did, ‘cuz I’ve been in both places too.
Thanks for the post!
Anne says
Great post. There are so many metaphors for faith and God’s goodness in the world around us.
Miel Abeille says
Unbelievable! That is an inspiring metaphor for second chances. Who knows what changes our attitudes? Sometimes rooting for what we are afraid of or annoyed by will kill its power over us. Great post 🙂
Kate says
That “dancing in the light of restoration” line is a good one.
Wonderful post. Funny how we can be encouraged and motivated by the most random things in life. Like spiders on cars.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Kate
Emily says
Angela, I thank you for your post, truly from my heart. I sat awake late last night praying, asking God for encouragement, and I believe He has provided me that through your post. This past year has been comprised of trial after trial, and I have recently found myself feeling exactly as you described…but I’m not about to give up! I needed to read this today…it provides me such hope in the midst of the storm I am currently walking. Thank you so much! Our God is such an Awesome God!!
Love in Christ,
~Emily
Holly says
Beautiful Angela!
Marilyn Yocum says
Excellent, Angela! Loved how you and the spider shared common experiences and how you were more inclined to extend mercy because of it.
gitz says
I have felt like that spider the last few weeks… hanging on by a thread of woven silk.
Amazing how the longer we hang on the stronger we get instead of more tired. The determination of a spider…