What a Web

Most of the time I don't notice a spider web until I've already walked into it and notice a bunch of threads on my arms or across my face.

Just as their purpose would indicate, a good web is one that remains unseen.  At least to its prey.

I noticed this one on my recent bike ride - illuminated by the sun as its rays were lit up by drops of condensation left behind by the early morning fog.

Lucky for me, unlucky for the arachnid, since this was empty and a little torn.

Yet, instead of being an unsightly mess usually associated with an area that's unkempt or untidy; this one was a miniature work of art.  Performance art, if you will, since the rain we are receiving today has by now washed it away.

Most spiders can produce three types of silk.  There are safety lines; sticky silk to capture prey; and fine silk to wrap it up for dinner.

Even more impressive is what appears to be a flimsy web is actually studied by scientists to learn how we might duplicate it on a human scale.  The strength of the web is stronger than steel for its weight, but with more elasticity.

It's another example of the wonder of creation and reminder that we humans don't have all the answers.  As Yogi Berra has been quoted, "You can learn a lot just by looking."

There might be other 'webs' in our lives that could give us a nudge or clue as to what we should do next or give us an idea for a solution to a vexing problem.

The web is also a good example of work ethic.  The spider builds its web then waits.  Some days no food arrives.  In those cases, the spider builds again and waits.  Other times, the protein deprived spider eats the web to regain the strength to build another.

So if your Monday didn't work out as you had planned for today or you were just going through the motions; go through those motions again tomorrow.  Build your web carefully so when opportunity walks by you don't miss it.