Yesterday morning I left home early enough to catch a perfect spider web spun across the width of my road. Lit with morning sunshine, the dew sparkled on its many spokes like a million tiny lights. The intricate detail was lost on me as I drove right through it. In fact, I didn’t even notice it. It wasn’t until I pulled into the parking lot that a vision of the unspoiled web popped into my head and I realized what I had done.
It’s not that I could have avoided destroying it; I had to drive past it, and on our narrow road, that meant driving through it. But I could have at least looked at it. I could have stopped for a second to admire it. I could have taken the opportunity to start my day in awe of God’s design and the spider’s intricate creation.
I remember how Neil could spend an entire morning studying ants at work or watching clouds. I thought he was crazy. Now I realize there is something invaluable in the simple act of looking around and paying attention. And it’s not that hard – most of the time it only takes a few minutes to find something remarkable.
There was another lesson in that spider web. By the time I drove home it was gone. Isn’t that just like life? Nothing lasts forever.
I didn’t find another spider web today, but I found a perfect hibiscus blossom, just waiting for a hummingbird to enjoy. By tomorrow that flower will be shriveled up, and new ones will open to take its place. I will hold today’s blossom in my mind, and tomorrow I will let it go and look for a new treasure.
So, let’s take a cue from my bug-watching husband. Let’s be on the lookout for the little gems of beauty in our days. Let me know in the comments what you find!
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
Hi Colleen, great reflection as always. It reminds me of the time I decided to go out to our piney woods in the backyard and pull weeds. It was then I noticed that our camelia bushes were blooming. Without the looming task of pulling weeds, (which I actually mostly enjoy because it’s mindless activity) I would have missed all that beauty. The front of our house faces west – oftentimes when I take out the trash at night I open the door to a beautiful sunset and just sit on the ground leaning against the house to watch it. It’s those moments of quiet and stunning beauty that make me appreciate the splendor of God and help me make it through each day. Blessings, Mary
Thanks for reading, Mary, and for sharing your glimpses of beauty with us. I’m glad you have them! I know God can bring good out of anything – even a beautiful sunset out of trash duty. Stay well!
I love how God gives us such glorious things to discover and enjoy. 🙂
Me too, Melissa. It helps me remember that He’s in charge!
Colleen, thanks for the reminder ! Sometimes we need to slow down and spend more time enjoying what we have; today and less time worrying about whats gone; yesterday, and what’s not here yet; tomorrow. It’s one of life’s lessons that wasn’t easy for me to grasp, but once I did, life became much clearer.
So true Greg! Especially now, when the world feels out of control and makes us feel out of control, its good to hold on to the good things right in front of us.
Thank you. Yes, it’s easy to look passed the gems and beauty before our eyes. Some days I see the colors of the leaves and sky vividly , I make a wish it’s like that everyday. We live in a world so in a hurry we missed living and loving it. Your husband is right . You are right. Stay safe & blessed always.
Thank you so much! Please stay safe yourself!
Thanks . You too.