September 13th

The Spider was centered perfectly within its web. It stood there, patient, immobile, unwavering, poised to welcome whatever prey fell victim to its sticky trap, and what a trap it is.
A spider and its cobweb are an amazing combination of flesh and machine working as one. The threads of the web are pulled taut, like the string of a violin, so that the slightest touch produces a vibration. Those threads are woven in a way so that the spider, having placed itself precisely at their hub, can not only tell when its next dinner selection has arrived, but where. This means that the spider wastes no time in striking at whatever tasty morsel comes its way, because its web not only serves as the dinner bell, but as the capture device as well. This is how the spider and its web form a brilliantly devised union of flesh and machine.
Few scientists have studied the psychology of the spider, so we do not know what it thinks when it waits for its prey from within its well-spun killing machine. We don’t know if it is pondering the eternal verities about life the universe and everything, its mind wandering into deep philosophical discussions with itself while its feet keep on the alert for the vibration of an in-coming meal. Does it mentally drum its fingers in impatience? Does it look with frustration at all the delicious tidbits that fly right past its trap? Does it wonder with great expectation at what wonderful delight might land as its next meal? Or does it simply sit there, thinking only: “Any moment, now...”
Alas, we will probably never know what train of thought runs through a spider’s brain, but this little eight-legged creature does offer a valuable bit of insight into our relationship with God. You see, the spider is ever-vigilant for its next meal, and because it is so immediately in touch with it’s webby environment, no dinner caught on the sticky threads ever escapes the spider’s attention.
God, too, is ever-vigilant and constantly in touch with creation, but, of course, without the spider’s stomach satisfying intent. Instead, God is perfectly in touch with creation as both ruler and provider. As ruler, He watches over us to ensure we keep on the right track. As our heavenly Father, He keeps an eye on His earthly children in order to instruct and protect and provide for us. Through Jesus, our heaven-sent brother, God ensures that when we get in over our heads, or we are ready to serve, or we simply need a prayer-partner, we have a place to turn.
Not with a sticky web, but with embracing arms, God reaches out to us, not to trap us, but to make us welcome. Even when we aren’t paying attention, God looks after us. Even when we drift away, God waits patiently for us to drift back, usually helping guide us home with reminders, hints and suggestions that are sometimes subtle, sometimes pretty obvious. It is the perfect union of God and creation, of Spirit and soul, of heavenly Father and earthly children. At least that’s the way I see it.