The things of nightmares

A few weekends ago, I was on a Leader's Retreat with our high school youth ministry. I can't think of anything I needed more… it's been a crazy busy past few months and a respite is just what the hubs and i needed. A weekend at a lake house with our friends… breathe in… exhale… oh yeah… just what the doctor ordered.
We arrived late Friday night after having tailgated before the local high school's football game and cheering on the team to an easy victory. The goal was to enjoy some fellowship and take advantage of seeing many of our students.
The next morning, I walked down to the lake to enjoy the early morning sunshine. I hate how photographs rarely capture the beauty of the serenity of the surroundings, or the twinkle of the sunshine on the water or the way the breeze blows, allowing the gentle morning rays hide and peek through the leaves.

It doesn't take long before the sun rises higher in the sky, and the blissful quiet is disturbed by early morning waterskiers. I watched for awhile, but then decided to go back to the house to enjoy some quiet time. The walk back to the house is not nearly as easy as going down to the lake. The house is built up on a hill, a fair distance from the lake. The walk back was more accurately a hike… straight up the incline… a much-needed work out, really!
Mornings are so special out nestled in a pocket of nature. The quiet added to the watching… it's hard not to be overwhelmed by God's creation and the intricate way He's designed every detail.
I sat at the next morning's quiet time up on the deck, journaling. I took a break and squinted out at the sun peeking through the leaves. The sunshine caught on the web of a nearby spider's handiwork. I watched him (or her?) just hanging out (head down… weird) on his web…just waiting.

His web was beautiful, but I'd be lying if I said He was a thing of beauty too.
Spiders seriously give me the creeps.

And I'm sorry… I know God made spiders, too, so they are precious in His sight. And I know they provide a great service of pest control in our gardens and around our homes. {But excuse me, Mr. Spider and all of your eight-legged friends… STAY OUTSIDE, thankyouverymuch}

I can't help but think that spiders are little satans of the underworld. Spinning webs of deceit. Entrapping the innocent bystanders and those not watching where they are going. Waiting and watching… hoping to scramble upon their prey and devour.

I know you guys are the Orkins of the outdoors. An important inhabitant in the chain of life. 

But just so we're clear on this… You stay where you belong, and I won't bother you. Don't be offended when I shudder and convulse as I walk by you. But if you are in my home… beware. I come with a tissue… not because you have the sniffles. You do your part by holding still. Seriously, is there anything worse than going in for the "wipe" only to have you free-fall or… {shudder} JUMP!?

Oh, and trust me on this one, people. If you think this is the stuff of nightmares… do NOT youtube garden spiders and watch any of the videos posted. {you're welcome for not posting the link}

I don't know what came over me. But I think I'll be taking a little OTC sleep aid tonight. Just in case.